Here's my latest "Idol" column, which will be published in Saturday's newspaper. It discusses my thoughts on Michael Johns getting the boot. Soooo shouldn't have happened.

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• Posted by rt in Voted off ::
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America got it wrong voting off Michael Johns tonight! no, No, NO!!!! He is clearly better than Syesha, Jason Castro and Kristy Lee Cook. I kind of teared up on that one. At first I thought no one was getting kicked off; they tried to fool us, but then Ryan delivered the news. It made me angry. It was Syesha's time to go. He's so much better than some of the others.

That's my rant for tonight. More to come ...

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• Posted by rt in Voted off ::
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It was just announced that former "Idol" contestant Phil Stacey (last season) will perform at this year's Festival in the Park. Stacey just released a new CD; his big hit is "If You Didn't Love Me."

Festival in the Park kicks off Thursday, May 22. Stacey will perform Friday, May 23.

Read more from the Festival Web site.

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• Posted by rt in Idol news ::
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Admittedly, I haven't even finished watching it. I know, I know. What kind of dedicated blogger am I, right? It's just that it's so looooong. And I've never been into the big celebrity telethon extravaganza. And I was sad when I heard Ellen had backed out of hosting. At least she would've made it fun. I get tired of Ryan Seacrest. Don't y'all?

I'm not going to recap the show. You can read recaps all over the Web, if you're that interested. I'm interested in how many of you actually devoted 2.5 hours to the whole thing?? Please comment if you did.

Do you think someone will be kicked off tonight? Or do you think they'll be given a pass this week? Doesn't it seem kind of in the spirit of giving back to let them slide this week? Am I asking a lot of questions? :-)

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• Posted by rt in Performances ::
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It's really hard for me to sit through long, drawn-out shows like "Idol Gives Back," so I'm not really looking forward to watching tonight. Don't get me wrong, it's for a wonderful cause and I'm all for that. But sometimes the Hollywood hype is just too much. Raise the money, certainly, just don't make me watch all the junk ... like group sing.

I don't know how much I'll blog about this episode. It was taped on Sunday night so I'm sure it'll be presented to us as a big, shiny package with Miley Cyrus as the proverbial bow on top.

I keep reading conflicting news items on which of the past participants will grace the stage. Some say Chris Daughtry. Some say Kelly Clarkson. Some say Daughtry and Carrie Underwood. I guess we'll see. Whatever the case, this year's show is said to be "bigger and better" than ever, of course. Is that why we won't see former contestants like Ruben Studdard or Fantasia or Clay Aiken, or what about Justin Guarini? Where's he? I liked him.

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• Posted by rt in Random musings ::
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I think I need to take back what I said about Kristy Lee Cook in my previous entry. Last night's performance was indeed her best. She finally got to sing that song she's been practicing in front of the mirror for years (in this case Martina McBride's "Anyway") and it showed. I think she saved herself this week. She may not need her "Kristy's seat" card afterall.

My prediction for the bottom three after last night? Syesha Mercado, Brooke White and either Carly Smithson or Michael Johns. (Hopefully not Carly!!)

Continue reading "Kristy Lee Cook got to sing her knock-out song" »

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• Posted by rt in Performances ::
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There's a lot of talk on the Web about "Idol Gives Back," which airs Wednesday night. But, I'm more interested in tonight's show and who will go home Thursday night. Some people think the contestants will get immunity ("Survivor"-speak) this week, if last year's "Give Back" week is any indication. But I think someone will be axed.

My prediction? Kristy Lee Cook. Finally. I'm trying to think of what inspirational song she'll sing. What defines inspirational, anyway? I keep thinking of Van Halen's "Right Here, Right Now." Maybe she'll go for a three-fer with "Amazing Grace."

Who do you think is going home?

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• Posted by rt in Random musings ::
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"Idol" is a machine this week.

Not only do we get the 3.5 (thanks, John) 2.5-hour behemoth "Idol Gives Back" on Wednesday, but Tuesday night the eight remaining contestants will perform "inspirational" songs. And then on Thursday night someone is eliminated. It's me and the couch this week.

I guess I'll have to set the DVR to record my favorites, "The Office" and "Law & Order: SUV," which are back with new shows.

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• Posted by rt in Random musings ::
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"Idol Gives Back," which airs Wednesday, was taped Sunday night and apparently attracted some major star power, according to the AP.

A-listers who showed up include Brad Pitt, Fergie, The Manning brothers, Reese Witherspoon, Jimmy Kimmel, Billy Crystal and Robin Williams.

Some familiar faces appeared in pre-taped sessions, including Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John McCain, Ellen Degeneres and Whoopi Goldberg.

Continue reading "'Idol Gives Back' brings the star power" »

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• Posted by rt in Idol news ::
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