
Ah, the cycles of life. Every year at this time the clementines begin to fall off the tree, the birds start singing and building nests, Abbey starts to redecorate the front walkway with feathers, and American Idol returns to the big screen in my family room. And just like a migrating bird returning to its favorite perch, I return to take up my position next to Recliner Man to watch AI three nights a week.
It’s been a bit rough for me, so far. Overall they advanced a very weak pool of guys to the top 20, maybe leaving some better ones in Hollywood week. And while the ladies are a strong group with some very interesting performers, they aren’t all up to snuff. Some of the performances have left me feeling like we were still in the audition rounds, where they delight in showing us the disasters.
This week it was easy to pick which guys were on the way out but the girls gave me a little shake up. I thought Michell did well with a bad song choice, and would buy another week. I really thought DiDi would be leaving with Haeley. Poor, Haeley. She is so sweet and even with her clunker singing, she was fun to watch. My heart was breaking for her with every butchered note and stifled tear, during her farewell performance. Another one that tugs at my hear strings is Katie Stevens. She has a beautiful voice and good control, but she is such an old soul. They keep telling her to young it up (while telling everyone they need to stay true to who they are) but I don’t think she has it in her to do that.
What are your thoughts on Ellen DeGeneres as a judge? I am enjoying her presence on the panel more than I ever enjoyed Paula. It doesn’t hurt that I came into this as an Ellen fan. I think it is nice to have an injection of humor when things get a bit gloomy and I like that she judges from a place that is closer to the rest of us in front of the televisions.
I can’t wrap this up without mentioning Danny Gokey. I was a big fan during his time on the show. I enjoyed his performance last night, but wasn’t a huge fan of the song. But, what I really want to comment on is the non-stop talking that followed. I didn’t remember him as being such a high speed chatter box. Seriously, I was starting to wonder if he was ever going to put a sock in it.
Your thoughts?
I'm Chia Wald and this is my blog. Here is where I share my thoughts and my art. Sometimes it is good, sometimes it isn't. That's life... and that's me. 
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6 responses so far ↓
1 CeCe // Mar 6, 2010 at 8:12 am
Well, Chia, this time I could have written the review of my favorite show, just as you wrote—until the very end. Loved Danny, as you, but also loved the song and loved his chatter— meant to me, he was indeed getting back into the swing of the happy part of life and getting over the tragedy of losing his wife. Love Ellen on the show—- Yes!
2 chia // Mar 6, 2010 at 11:12 am
CeCe, My problem with Danny’s song (and I still think he would sound great singing a phone book) was the words. Something about it just came off a little too simple. I don’t know if there was a lot of repetition, or what. I’d have to hear it again to try and put my finger on it. And, I was into all the chatter when he started. His excitement was contagious, and like you, I took it as a sign he has found a happier place in life. For me it reached a point where I started to wonder if he was going to take a breath, or if Ryan would cut to commercial, or Simon would inject a snarky comment. It’s like he knew they would only give him a few minutes and he had hours of excitement he wanted to share. I can understand, editing has always been hard for me, as well. Still love the guy and was very happy to see him.
3 Kim Johnson // Mar 6, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Chia, I’m right there with ya. Have to have my AI fix every year! I loved Danny and his country song and his chatter. He just seemed to come to life. I love Ellen too and think she is doing a great job. I do have to say that if Howard Stern takes over for Simon I may be done with the show though. They wouldn’t seriously do that would they?
4 chia // Mar 6, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Kim, I’ve heard the Howard Stern rumors too. I think he would ruin the show and I don’t think they would seriously consider him. Let’s hope not.
5 Gina E. // Mar 8, 2010 at 12:15 am
Hello Chia,
This is offtopic – sorry! But I was looking for a teapot template, and Google led me to your rubberstamping website. I don’t do rubber stamping, but I do love messing around with paper crafts, so I’ve copied some of your templates on to my computer for further use, and just wanted to say thank you for sharing!
Cheers
Gina in Australia
6 chia // Mar 8, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Hi Gina, Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad you found something useful on my site
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