Can't stands no more. . .

Some of you might know that I was a little bummed at not being invited back to write this year for the "hometown" rag. . . so it took a little enthusiasm away from the "wish to blog". However, I've been reading the writer they DID choose, and she's not getting anymore comments than she did last year (most of them are her OWN comments to her OWN blog) PLUS my tolerance level for this year's show has been breached so here goes. . .

I was okay with who ended up in the final 12. I was actually pulling for Sanjaya way back when. . . however, it soon became all too apparent that he had given all he was capable of. And, that was okay. Every year there are contestants who are good in the auditions, but just don't get any better. Then, there are the others that are "iight" who get better and better with all the practice, voice coaching and input from the guest mentors. Then there's Haley, who knows it all and doesn't take the advice of anyone who's sold MILLIONS of records because, hey, she's a WEDDING SINGER. . . I digress, that's a whole 'nother rant. . .

I was a little disappointed that Brandon got booted first --- not because I thought it was unfair. I was let down by Brandon. He deserved to go. He just never exerted any type of effort past the minimum. He was a likeable guy, but deep down I think he's content to be a back-up singer.

Also not too heartbroken when Stephanie was shown the door. Good voice but it wasn't Stephanie --- we heard a Beyonce wannabe each and every week.

And, I also wasn't totally bent out of shape that Sanjaya was still on. . . hey, I thought, maybe he's the "Bucky" of this year's contest!!

Then Chris Sligh went home. I was starting to panic. I love, love, love Chris Sligh. I think he not only has a wonderful and unique sound --- this guy knows music. He knows the construction of music, the "why's" of music. This guy is music-smart! And really, really smart-funny! I hope, hope, hope he gets a recording contract.

NOW it was time for Sanjaya to go home.

I'll be the first one to admit that I, too, used to listen to Howard Stern. Then one day I realized that he sounded a little too much like the boys in junior high --- Howard gets WAY too much glee out of uttering body part names out loud. . . over and over and over again. Plus, he treats women like garbage. I know, I know, he SAYS it's just his "on-air" persona. But, he's WAY too good at it for it to be an act (read: Tom Cruise in 'Magnolia').

So, it peaved me big-time that Howard was putting his voodoo curse on AI. My opinion (which, by the way, only counts here): if you don't like the show, turn the channel. I know y'all have a remote. It doesn't even involve getting up off your duff!! I mean, I wouldn't waste my time watching half of what's on TV these days, but I'm not going to campaign to ruin these shows for other people. I'm of the "Not Everyone Loves Raymond" persuasion, but if everyone else in the U.S. wanted to watch it. . . so be it. To each their own.

Anyway, Howard, it's not like if AI goes off the air it's going to be replaced with anything very redeeming ANYWAY. That's why they call it ENTERTAINMENT!

Okay, off the soapbox. . .

So, the real reason I decided to start writing this is: I just couldn't handle Gina being voted off when Sanjaya AND Haley were staying. I've reconciled myself to the fact that Sanjaya will be around, maybe until the end. HOWEVER, it has become painfully apparent that the only reason this Haley chick is still on the show is that she wears her skirts up to her tookus and stands at the edge of the stage --- is this American Idol or American Stripper???

She looks like a wedding singer, she sings like a wedding singer, she's too stupid to listen to people who have. . . well. . . actually SOLD RECORDS and are FAMOUS and household names. She knows so much? Then why is she on this show??? I'm praying she goes home soon and I'm telling you right now --- if she gets hired by Disney I'm boycotting that place until she's gone!!

Now, because I can't stand NOT being able to look at this situation without statistics, I'll tell you what the numbers are saying.

Last year four people went home the first time they were in the bottom 2 or 3 (week 1, week 2, week 4 and week 7). Last year's winner was never in the bottom 2 or 3.

This year, each person who has been voted off so far was off the FIRST TIME they were in the bottom 2 or 3. So, even though Phil's been in the bottom 2 or 3 three times already and Haley's been there twice already doesn't necessarily mean either one of them are going home any time soon.

My prediction is that Phil will go home next, although in a perfect world Haley would go first.

I have my "druthers" to how I'd like this contest to play out. . . but I'll wait a few weeks because I know how unpredictable this thing can be.

Hope you'll come back next week!!