American Idol

Okay -- here's my take on last night's American Idol.

Last year, the Elton John night was actually painful to watch. Apparently, Elton John writes this music FOR HIMSELF....And it just doesn't work for other singers.

So -- why are we doing it again this year? When Naima performed "I'm Still Standing" with a Reggae twist -- I called my friend Val and said, "No, she's not". (standing, that is) Really. It was awful. Her rendition of that song was so bad, I think Elton John will be filing a law suit...

The whole night was sort of a miss for me. But I did enjoy Paul's elaborately embroidered suit. It's like going back in time -- he's Porter Wagner -- looking or his Dolly...

I thought James Durban was amazing...and I thought having the piano start on fire was a nice touch.

I also thought Casey proved himself WORTHY of last week's judge's save. But really -- LOSE THE BEARD. It makes you look like a middle-aged rabbi. For crying out loud -- you are 20 years old!! Why do you insist on the old-man masquerade?? PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE shave that beard and lose the Olde Spice, Casey...

At the end of two hours -- I think Niama and Thia are going home. but, Stephano also tried to get his homeward bound ticket punched. I used to be a fan -- but last night, I could not understand a word he sang...and that is NEVER a good sign...

The person I really want to vote off the island is Randy Jackson. The last song of the night was Haley singing "Bennie and the Jets" -- and Randy called it "the best performance of the night".

Really, Randy? Better than Pia? Better than James? Jacob? Casey?

What could be clouding your judgment, dawg?? Oh...that's right....I forgot...YOU DON'T HAVE ANY. Randy has never made a single notable comment in all the years he's been on American Idol. Most of the time, I'm convinced he isn't even listening to the singing because he's too busy thinking about how he can do more name dropping...telling us about a record he produced with Mariah or Whitney 20 years ago...

As per usual, Randy brings NOTHING to the show. Maybe it's time for him to focus on his MTV Dance Crew show.

WHAT NUMBER CAN I CALL???

Casey and American Idol

Casey got the LOWEST NUMBER OF VOTES on American Idol this week?

ARE YOU KIDDING ME??

I am loving this season of American Idol. I can't believe I'm saying this -- but I don't even miss Simon! Really...Stephen Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are both fun to watch. And what I like about them the most is that they don't even TRY to be Simon. This week, Stephen jumped up on the stage to give Jacob a hug. Jennifer sings along, claps and sways with the music. They are supportive and insightful.

These young people are sooo talented. Jacob, James, Pia, Casey, Stephano, Scotty...(yes, the boys are better than the girls)...

Each week, I can't WAIT to tune in and see what they'll sing. Idol has gone BACK to being "can't miss tv" for me. It's every bit as good as IT USED TO BE. Which is such a rare thing for a show.

Motown was the theme. MY FAVORITE!! If you are an Idol fan -- you know what I mean.(hey -- if you're not an Idol fan -- you quit reading long ago.) Casey Abrams kicked it off with "Heard it through the grapevine" and HE NAILED IT...

The next night, during the results show, after 30 million people voted -- I expected three girls to be in the bottom...and most likely, Haley will go home.

So -- fast forward to CASEY BEING VOTED OFF THE SHOW!!

Picture me, in my living room, screaming, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...."

Casey sets up to "sing for his life"

The judges have "one save" they can use to keep Casey on the show. (which means two contestants will go home next week)...

Casey starts to sing...my heart is breaking...this is a lot to ask from the kid..

Ryan Seacrest comes on the stage and stops Casey in the middle of his song...

Then, Randy announces that they are going to use the save to keep Casey on the show.

I start to breath again.

I'm telling you -- this is CAN'T MISS TV...

My friend Marion, who has been watching Idol from Florida (remember -- she's from Canada) -- was stunned, too. 30 million people voted for American idol this week...and THIS IS THE END RESULT??

Yes, Marion, this is how we do it in America....Casey got the lowest number of votes.

Maybe this result goes a long way to explaining some of the trouble we're having of late...