Time To Dance... Again

Saved By The Non-Elimination

Getting Hotter

I'll admit. Just like everyone else I have been kind of disappointed with Idol this season. The few that are good are really good, but the other are just.. meh. I didn't necessarily agree with Brandon leaving last week because he has the potential to grow. Some of the other Idols do not. I'm sure you can guess who I'm talking about.

Blake was awesome as usual. I am not a fan of the original version of the song he sang this week, but I liked the spin he put on it. As the judges said, it was better than what he did for Diana Ross week. He is in it to win it and I think he will definitely be the last guy standing.

Thank God for YouTube because my VCR cut out Sligh's performance and I was so thankful I got to see it. I mean, it wasn't like 'jump up and down' great, but it's Chris so I enjoy him basically every week. I'm still waiting to see a 'touchdown' from him as Paula likes to call it. I have faith he can do that.

I really dug Richardson this week. A lot less nasally. It was pretty bad that the British dude couldn't really find a good thing to say about him other than the way he looked. He was having a Paula moment there. I just don't get how people can bash Chris because he sounds SO much like Timberlake and that guy is selling out arenas. He deserves to stay at this point.

I have some tremendous problems with Phil Stacey. When he sings - every week is is so self-indulgent. And not to be mean but I think he would go over a lot better if he say... looked like Chris Daughtry. It's shallow but looks play a big part when you're in the public eye. Phil has an amazing voice. He really does. He just needs to get a little more humble I think.

I can't fault Sanjaya. He did exactly what I said he needed to do. He went out there and just threw it down. I actually think that was my favorite performance of his. It was freakin' watchable. Personally though it was more of a performance for me though than a vocal. The biggest point though is that performance alone may keep him on the show for weeks. The 11 and 12 year olds will see to it.

Melinda was Melinda. 'Nuff said about that.

Jordin tore the roof off. She just officially made her case to make it into the finals.

Lakisha wasn't as good as we've seen her. She still has a big ol' voice, but I wasn't digging it.

Stephanie tried to be Beyonce again. It didn't work as well this time, but she won't be leaving us just yet.

Gina rocked it out. 'Paint It Black' is more of a performance song than a song to show off your vocals, but it suited her perfectly.

Haley, who usually reminds me of a beauty pageant queen reminded me of a beauty pageant queen after having too many drinks. I like that she hussied it up a little bit so as not to be boring, but her voice is still not the best voice in the competition and unfortunately she won't be around much longer.

BY the way, if you didn't notice Nigel Lythgoe was in the house. I'm sure he made certain people recognized him.

THE ROBFATHER IS SILENCED

Well, what an interesting week this was. The teams shuffled around a little bit and unfortunately the shuffle swung way out of one team's favor. Or fortunately depending on how much you hate Romber.

This is shaping up to be a very competitive Race, but naturally mistakes are still being made.

OSWALD & DANNY - A team who isn't making many mistakes lately is Oswald & Danny. Firstly, the chose to find the sailor with the compass which in hindsight turned out to be the much better choice as only one team finished the sign making. This got them on the first charter flight and helped them jump into first place finally. I had said previously that they would get tired of finishing behind Rob and Amber and look - they'll never have to worry about it again.

ERIC & DANIELLE - Another excellent leg was had by Eric & Danielle. Only a fool would think they're not contenders to win the whole thing. They've been solid for 4 legs straight and the only team that seems to be gunning for them is Joe & Bill. I wouldn't really fear the Guidos. I have said from the beginning that the fact that they didn't race together the first time around could be their strength. That's proven to be the case thus far. The only issue I think they could run into is something they've already conquered in that Eric will pretty much do whatever it takes to win and Danielle is a little bit soft. I believe she'll step it up though.

TERI & IAN - Thanks to some help from the airport powers that be they were able to get on an early flight to Punta Arenas which catapulted them towards the front of the pack. Of course, it didn't hurt that Romber royally messed up the Detour. You have to take advantage of situations like that and Teri & Ian are very good at this. They were a force to be reckoned with the first time and they will be again this time. Never count them out.

JOE & BILL - You had to think Joe & Bill might have been in trouble when they couldn't make the first flight to Punta Arenas. Not catching up with the rest of the teams is like a death sentence unless someone else screws up massively. Thanks Romber! The Guidos did what they had to do and they secured a better position for themselves. I'll tell you though - hating on Eric & Danielle next week isn't going to do them any favors.

DUSTIN & KANDICE - They could have been in a lot better position if they had chosen the right Detour. They were more hopeless with the sign making than Romber. Why do Dusty and Kandi come off as less intelligent on All Stars than they did last time? No offense to them, but they just do. Like, their decision making sometimes is just.. I don't know. I like them a lot so I'm hoping they'll move up past the Guidos. An all girl team has to win the Race sometime.

UCHENNA & JOYCE - They might be happy Romber is out, but this should make Uchenna & Joyce enemy number one. Come on. They're the only former winners. They BEAT Romber who is one of the smartest teams ever except when it comes to spelling. Their main fault this week was not being as smart at history as Rob. If they had Seville in the first place they would have been done a lot faster. I would always be VERY wary of Juchenna. VERY wary.

CHARLA & MIRNA - This proves that luck can see you through. Chmirna did just about everything wrong. They didn't make the first flight either time. They definitely chose the wrong Detour. Luckily even after that they got grouped on a plane with other teams evening out the playing field. Their cab got stolen by Romber. But they found the letter first. There's no real method for finding a needle in a haystack. You just have to be quick and careful. And lucky. I don't think they'll last much longer and they may get saved by the grace of a non-elimination leg. But they won't win.

ROB & AMBER - You either love them or hate them but you have to admit the show is more entertaining with them around. They always make it interesting. Problem is Rob has difficulty with challenges that involve putting things in order. They lost because of it last time and they lost because of it this time. And because Rob can't spell. I mean, the boy even said "I hope it isn't a spelling thing". Well then check the spellings dumbass! Amber was smart enough to want to try the other Detour when it was at a point that they might have a better chance. I don't know. They probably would have been last no matter what if they didn't make it on that first plane because the same course of events would have happened no matter what. I'll miss them. In my own way. You just rarely see a team go from first to last this early in the game. Oh well. They don't need any more money or prizes. Ever.

Until next week.....

NICE GUYS FINISH LAST

David and Mary we hardly knew ye.... again. It was quite an exciting week of Racing. And a messy one as every single team fudged up in some way or another. It's All Stars people. You should know better. Shame on you!

Of course some teams fudged up more than others leading to their imminent bad finishes. Let's review, shall we?

ROB & AMBER
Well, they did a good thing by getting on the first flight to Puerto Montt. (Those travel agencies are neat, aren't they?) Then of course they had to go and make a wrong turn when they got there putting them behind three teams. They made up time though getting to La Maquina and the Detour first and what do you know - they came in first in this leg too and won a home gym which they probably don't need. I have to give them props. Romber is entertaining to watch and they're some kind of Racers. Can they be taken down? Find out next week on 'As The Yield Turns'.

UCHENNA & JOYCE
Well I have to say Uchenna and Joyce ran a darn near perfect leg. The only place they screwed up is getting out of the Roadblock in first, but getting to La Maquina third. They caught a little bit of luck when Eric & Danielle couldn't seem to find their way and that was good enough to put them in second place behind Rob & Amber. That's something I'm sure they don't want to be. You know teams look at Romber as a threat, but there's only one team who ever beat them and I think Juchenna should make other teams a little uneasy.

ERIC & DANIELLE
Way to pick up a spot. I thought they were going to get assaulted early on when they mooched off of the directions Joe & Bill were getting from a local. That was just ridiculous because seriously, its a friggin' competition. You can't fault someone for doing that. Excellent job to Eric for getting his flight to Puerto Montt switched to the earlier flight. This is the stuff you have to do to win. Danielle is going to kill me, but I thought Eric was hilarious at the Roadblock. Personally, if I was doing something that I was scared to do, that would lighten the mood for me. They worked with Romber to get to La Maquina and then got lost finding the riverbank. Might I say they ran a near perfect leg to but the lack of perfection cost them a second place finish.

DUSTIN & KANDICE
Let me just first say they were REALLY lucky. Had the teams behind them not screwed up royally they might not still be there. After how many seasons of the Race and actually having been on it once yourself, how can you think there isn't a Detour? The first time around I praised them for being great Racers, but that was just bad. Luckily all they had to do was go back and grab the clue and didn't have to do the Detour all over again. I guess that goes to show you how far behind all the other teams were. I do hope this was a wake up call for them and they shape up next week.

OSWALD & DANNY
I really like them more and more each week. This week happened to be a bad week for them. They had some bad luck when they sent Uchenna & Joyce off to buy them tickets and didn't write down their authorization code. I would always buy the tickets myself. Always. They had a bit of difficulty at the Roadblock, but other than that they didn't run a horrible leg. I know they're better than that and I am sure will elevate their game next week. At some point the teams will probably be even again as always and they'll get back in it.

TERI & IAN
Well, they tried to get on the earlier flight. That altercation with Charla & Mirna was hilarious. Ian was remembering the good times with Flo I am sure. At the Roadblock Teri had trouble with the fish. I don't blame her. They kinda looked like stingrays. RIP Steve Irwin. Teri really had a close call in the river when she flipped off of the raft. I was scared for a second there but Teri is one tough lady. No real major mishaps after that, but they did wind up in sixth place.

JOE & BILL
They thought they were SO smart. Of course, they forgot one thing. Petrohue. They didn't write down the whole clue and it got them severely lost. So lost that if Charla & Mirna hadn't come along they might still be looking for La Maquina. It was just bad.

Dreamgirls - And Scandal!

Yes it's ladies night and the feeling's right. Oh what a night. Yes what a night it was. Its becoming more clear as the weeks go on who will be in the Top 12. Er. I should say.. who SHOULD be in the Top 12. We have learned in the past that it doesn't always work out that way. I'm forming in my head a picture of some of the godawful people who actually made Top 12. *shudders*

This year I think we're gonna have a good group unless VFTW messes it all up. DON'T DO IT. I beg of you.

ALAINA ALEXANDER - Okay. The first week she sang Brass In Pocket. I love that song, but not on her. I was kind of hoping someone would sing it and knock it out of the park. Looks like I won't get it this year. Then she comes back last night and sings friggin' Dixie Chicks. Not even old Dixie Chicks. 'Not Ready To Make Nice'. I'm not the biggest fan of that song to begin with so she really needed to do something special with it and she didn't. Alaina has a nice voice, but unfortunately she's a minor leaguer in this Idol ballpark.

ANTONELLA BARBA - I am sure she is VFTW's little pony right now. And to many men who have come across some, uh, pictures of her she is something else. I am sure Simon Cowell has seen said pictures and if they're going to get rid of Frenchie for this type of thing it should apply to hot white chicks too. In Week one Antonella sang 'I Dont Want To Miss A Thing'. The judges told her the song was too big for her. Okay. So she strolls in this week channeling Celine Dion. Or trying too. It was karaoke the first time and it was karaoke the second. Antonella is a beautiful, beautiful girl. She should stick to what she's better at and try out for Top Model.

GINA GLOCKSEN - You gotta root for Gina. She wants this so bad, as I'm sure the other girls do. I wasn't crazy about the song choice the first week though. 'All By Myself' is such a depressing song. This week she sang 'Alone'. Is she trying to say something here? Is there a theme? If she's back next week will she sing 'Im The Only One' by Melissa Ethridge? I was nervous about her singing 'Alone' specifically because Carrie Underwood knocked that one out of the park. Gina did a really good job on it I think. I think its just harder to live up to a previous Idol winner's performance than to say.. Whitney or Mariah. Honestly.

HALEY SCARNATO - Dude. You just don't attempt Celine and Whitney back to back weeks. You don't do it. Haley is hot. No doubt. Her performance thus far though have just left me lukewarm. If I was going to sing any Whitney Houston song it would not be 'Queen Of The Night'. I don't like Whitney's version so I'm certainly not going to like a Haley Scarnato version. I know what she was trying to do. A performance like that is certainly not going to have Simon calling you cabaret. But he can always call you other things. He's a thinker.

JORDIN SPARKS - I've always loved her voice but I didn't like her song choice the first week going with Tracy Chapman. It's not really a song that can showcase your voice. So this week she decided to sing 'Reflection' which Ayla Brown wowed me with last season. The only problem I have with Jordin is that I expect so much from her that her performances aren't as wow to me. If I could learn to watch her and expect nothing then maybe I'd be better off. I do love her though.

LAKISHA JONES - Girl can SANG. I mean, wow. In her first week she took on Jennifer Hudson's signature song from Dreamgirls and nailed it. This week she sang 'Midnight Train To Georgia' which Paris Bennett sang last year. She did a better job than Paris which is hard to say. This is a train that will keep rollin' all the way into the finals. I'm becoming convinced there's nothing she can't sing.

LESLIE HUNT - I really like Leslie's personality and she has a different kind of voice. I really didn't like her the first week. Poor song choice for her. When she went with a Nina Simone song this week I thought it was much smarter. She's still in trouble because she does not have one of the best voices, but she may scrape by this week.

MELINDA DOOLITTLE - I loves me some Melinda. She nailed Aretha the first week and then this week she sang 'My Funny Valentine' which I believe Constantine sang, but she was amazing. That's not a song I would normally sing because it could get boring if it's not done right, but Melinda did everything right. She's so adorable and talented and likeable. You can bet she'll be stickin' around.

SABRINA SLOAN - I was really suprised with Sabrina because I didn't really know her and didn't expect a whole lot. I think that's for the best in most cases really. She has a nice voice and stage presence. The very last note last night was kind of eh for me. But the long note before it made up for it. I am confident Sabrina will make Top 12.

STEPHANIE EDWARDS - Hey its Beyonce junior. I didn't really notice the vocal similarity until it was mentioned last night, but Stephanie really does sound a lot like Miss Knowles. Hey - another person who was in Dreamgirls. Next week Chris Sligh is gonna come out soundin' like Eddie Murphy. If Stephanie can stick around until next week and have another solid performance I think she's secured a spot in the Top 12 also.

AMY KREBS - Eh. Not a bad voice but didn't stand out.

NICOLE TRANQUILLO - Again. Not a bad voice, but just didn't stand out.

Here's how it breaks down. Antonella should be toast.

Lakisha, Melinda, Jordin, Sabrina and Stephanie are all in the Top 12 for me. Only one spot left and at this point I'd give it to Gina. I have a soft spot for her and she does have a powerful voice. Let her be on the Tour.

I guess we'll know one way or another tonight.

It's Reigning Men

First of all, I didn't think the guys were as bad either week as the judges made them out to be. Especially since a couple of them are downright brilliant. I really cut people some slack the very first week too because you really haven't had that test run to learn from. That's why I can be vicious to the Top 12 because they should know better.

Lets get down to the reviews. This is going to include both performances. I slacked off.

AJ TABALDO - You know, not that AJ is a bad singer, but I felt the same about both of his performances. Meh. First week he sang 'Never Too Much' and followed it up the second week with 'Feelin Good'. I don't know what it is. He just doesn't connect for me. Good voice, lots of energy, but no connection. Like, he doesn't possess me to jump out of my chair and say I need to vote for AJ. It could go either way with him. He'll probably be back next week and if he is that performance could make or break him.

BLAKE LEWIS - Blake DOES make me want to jump out of my seat. The first week he came out with 'Somewhere Only We Know' which was a really subdued performance for him, but it was good. Then this week he busts out some Jamiroquai and brings down the house. How perfect to find something that beatboxing fits right in with. I like Blake because not only is he unique on the show, but he is unique period. I like him lots.

BRANDON ROGERS - Brandon, Brandon, Brandon. He's lost the vibe I really liked about him and he hasn't gotten it back yet. I never thought I'd say this, but he could potentially be in trouble this week. The first week he sang 'Rock With You' and I liked that better than this week. He has the kind of voice where he really has to pick a song that fits his voice and he is just having a heck of a time there.

CHRIS RICHARDSON - Despite the fact that he bounces more than Hooters girl I love Chris. I didn't like his song choice with Gavin DeGraw the first week. Bo Bice did it and it rocked. Elliott Yamin was the second to do it and although I love Elliott it just wasn't as good as Bo. So why go there a third time? However, his performance this week was great. He completely picked the right type of song for him. Chris will likely stay away from Timberlake songs like the plague but I think he should try it.

CHRIS SLIGH - Sligggggghhhhh!! My bias really shows through doesn't it? Sorry. He's awesome. And props to him getting a hot wife. I don't blame her. I could see what she sees in him. And he can sing too. I don't think we've seen the best we can see of Chris yet, but we will. Oh yes, we will.

JARED COTTER - I think Jared is trying to charm the ladies into voting for him. Between 'Back At One' and 'Lets Get It On' he's trying to be the secong coming of Nikko Smith. Jared can sing, but he will never be Nikko. Actually though, I'd be willing to say his performance of the Marvin Gaye classic was just as good as Nikko's was. Jared can go either way too. He's not out, but he's not in. Although he could be out tonight, but I doubt it.

NICK PEDRO - You know, there's things I like about Nick, but he does not scream Top 12. The first week he sang 'Now And Forever' and it really wasn't that great for me and then this week he goes with his old Sinatra-style stuff and it was better, but still not mind blowing. Again, he could be out tonight too. It's a possibility.

PHIL STACEY - Phil has surprised me. He did a great job with 'I Could Not Ask For More' the first week and then did an equally good job this week. I think its safe to say he's staying at least one more week. I actually like him now since I found out that when he missed the birth of his baby it was because his wife went into early labor. That's definitely forgivable. I don't think Phil can win, but he can easily make Top 12.

SANJAYA MALAKAR - Eek. I like Sanjaya. I really do. But as the judges have hinted on problems with his shyness in the past I think it has really gotten the best of him. He looks uncomfortable on stage. He's not pushing his vocals and that was very clear on 'Steppin Out'. It's not that he doesn't have a good voice. His stage presence is just sorely lacking and I'm not seeing the confidence. I think he's toast at this point, but you never know.

SUNDANCE HEAD - Sundance may have had the best comeback this week than any I've ever seen. In week one he wasn't all that bad, but I hated that song on him. 'Nights In White Satin' is not a Sundance joint. 'Mustang Sally' totally is. I hope that performance saved him because I really like the guy. After his initial audition many favored him to win, but then it just all fell apart. Now he's getting back to what he does best.

PAUL KIM - Come on. We all know the only person who can sing Careless Whisper is Ace and his falsetto. He does George Michael like no one else. I do think Paul is a good singer, but compared to many of the others he just wasn't there. I guess the barefoot thing wasn't lucky enough.

RUDY CARDENAS - Ya know I didn't peg Rudy to be out the first week. I know it made Paula very, very sad. And it also broke up the RuBlis trio. I couldn't come up with a better name sadly. Based on that performance I don't think Rudy deserved to go last week, but I didn't think he'd make Top 12. So why get his hopes up. I think he'd really talented though and should keep singing.

Okay. Here's how it breaks down.

I think the Chris's and Blake are a lock for Top 12.
I also think Phil and Sundance have a better than average chance of making it as well. That leaves one spot.
Sanjaya is toast. Nick is probably toast. That leaves Brandon, AJ and Jared. It's really a big toss up there. I think it all depends on who stays this week and how well they perform next week. Whoever brings down the house will move on. Obviously.

Tonight we'll know who still has a chance.

THE RACE IS ON

Whew. The All Stars have already been racing for 2 weeks and I am just now getting to this. I think its worth the wait but I am biased towards myself. Eh. What can ya do?

I don't think I have to tell you I was very excited at the prospect of an All Star edition. I have been dreaming of this since I first saw the Race in Season 3. In fact I think I may have even brought it up in some of the interviews I did at that time. Not all of the teams I would have liked to see are in the mix, but I think overall its a good, competitive group.

This recap is going to be based on the first two weeks so it may be a little awkward, but then its all the more recap to love, isn't it?

1st - Rob & Amber - I thought it was really ironic that the Race started in Miami since Romber lost in Florida their first time out on the Race. I'm sure Rob thinks upon Little Havana kindly. You had to know they were going to come out with all guns blazing. Rob is one of the smartest, dirtiest players in the game. It will be very difficult for any team to beat them. I think the only thing you can hope for is what happened on the second leg where their plane got delayed. Even that didn't stop them from coming in first. They are a force to be reckoned with.

2nd - Oswald & Danny - After a while I think they'll get tired of finishing second to Romber. Even though I didn't watch their original season I can tell they're very competitive and smart. And they're fun which makes them likeable. They're definitely a team who is going to be at the top every leg unless something unforseen happens. Let's hope it doesn't though because I do enjoy watching them.

3rd - Joe & Bill - Obviously they are good racers. They finished 5th the first leg and 3rd the second. I think one of their advantages is that a lot of teams aren't going to focus on them as a team to beat. They're crafty like that. I don't know much about them either other than what I've seen on All Stars, but I have a feeling they'll stick around. And they have a totally cute dog!

4th - Eric & Danielle - I am so happy to see them back - together. Not that I didn't love Eric & Jeremy's antics because I so did. It's just interesting to see a different dynamic. I think it says a lot about their chances in this race that they weren't paired together before and they still managed to finish 4th two legs in a row. Honestly they could have been higher than that had Eric gone with his original instinct in the boardroom instead of questioning why he couldn't find an 'H'. I'll tell ya though Eric is SO much different with Danielle than with Jeremy. A complete 180.

5th - Uchenna & Joyce - Boy aren't Rob and Amber happy to see them. Hey, you gotta give them props. They won the Race fair and square. This time around they're kind of in the middle of the pack. They were 7th the first leg so there was improvement. It's surprising to hear that their relationship is kind of rocky now. That actually might hinder them as we already saw a hint of that when Joyce got passed up by pretty much everyone in the boardroom challenge. We'll see how they bounce back.

6th - Dustin & Kandice - Where they did really well the last season I think this time they're running into some problems. I don't know if its because they literally JUST raced or because they're going up against a lot of veteran teams this time. I've seen flashes of their brilliance, but for example the choice to tighten a whole bunch of bolts rather than do the forklift was a bad idea. If Amber could do it, just about any of them could except for maybe Charla & Mirna because it might actually be a physical impossibility. They could very easily come back especially in a situation where all the teams become even again which pretty much happens every leg.

7th - Teri & Ian - Eek. They dropped from 3rd to 7th. Bad break. I have a ton of respect for Teri & Ian. I wasn't a big fan theirs first time racing until I got to interview them and they are just awesome people. They're tough too as they certainly gave all of the teams a run for their money in their first shot. And Ian unintentionally pissing Flo off all the time was priceless. I'm glad they're back. Hoorah!

8th - Charla & Mirna - They're going nowhere fast. Between fighting with each other and getting preoccupied with other teams its not good. If things keep going this way they'll be gone within a week or two. I think they were asked back more because they're memorable and less because they're good racers. Maybe they can prove me wrong. I don't know.

9th - David & Mary - Ninth place twice is fine until you get to the next leg when only 8 teams advance. Not to be mean, but I don't know why they asked them back for All Stars. Nice isn't going to win you a cutthroat competition. They already made the mistake of trusting Charla & Mirna and they got burned. It was the exact same thing they did with Lyn & Karlyn the first time. They have to learn that when you're racing against people, especially THESE people, they are not your friends. You can make nicey nice after the race. And they should not have helped Charla and Mirna get their car out of the mud. Look where that got them.

10th - Kevin & Drew - They honestly should have been the first eliminated. Maybe could have given JV & Jill a little bit of a chance. It just never worked. There was more complaining than there was racing. I do give them props though for being willing to drive on a flat tire just to stay in the Race. It worked for one leg.

11th - Jon Vito & Jill - I was SO upset when they got eliminated. They commited the fatal sin of following someone who didn't know where they hell they were going and listening to people who didn't know what the hell they were talking about. I mean, its hard to know that until its too late, but I'd rather spend 20 minutes getting good directions than spending 2 hours driving in circles. So terribly sad. I really am rooting for them as a couple though because they are so cute together and I told them a long time ago they should get married. They really should.

As for those teams that did not make it to All Stars and I think would have been good candidates:

Ken & Gerard from Season 3
Aaron & Arianne from Season 3
Jon & Kris from Season 6
Hayden & Aaron from Season 6
Colin & Christie from Season 5
BJ & Tyler from Season 9
Tyler & James from Season 10

They were all very competitive teams and I like that quality.

I'll catch you next week.