After yet another week of poor song choices by many contestants, or as I said yesterday some good song choices just performed poorly, from the 2nd Group of 12, America voted and once again gave us a ‘SURPRISE’ TOP 12 contestant! I knew Allison Irahuta would be the top girl vote getter, and I also knew Adam Lambert would make it in, would have been a real shocker if either one of them wasn’t sitting in the TOP 3 last night! I certainly thought Megan Corkrey’s performance would have made her the 3rd top vote getter and a spot in the TOP 12….BUT…..once again America, or should I say mainly young female Americans who texted millions of votes Wednesday night, voted through Kris Allen, who I had picked out early in the auditions after only 10-15 seconds of face time as having some serious talent, but never listed him as a serious dark-horse candidate.

BOTTOM LINE: I lost THREE more (OUCH!!!!!) last night from my predicted TOP 12: Jasmine Murray, Matt Giraud and Miss Megan, who I think was more SHOCKED than Kris Allen was when Ryan Seacrest announced that it was Kris and not her moving on! She looked just crushed! Thank the good Lord again (and all of Simon’s hours of praying!!) that Nick &/or Norman are finally going home! I was bummed and very disappointed that young and talented Jasmine Murray and my dueling-piano guy Matt Giraud sang so poorly this week, but as Simon reiterated at the end of the show that we’d see some of this week’s folks again, I truly do expect both of them and Megan to still have a shot at the Top 12 in the Wild Card Night sing-off on Thursday, March 5th….so let’s see if they make it to the ‘Wild Card Round’, pick better songs and move into the TOP 12 after that night!

OK…..we have one final group of 12, Group #3, an interesting and eclectic bunch, this coming week, let’s hope they serve up some great performances for us all to watch on Tuesday night….until then…..a great weekend to all, and hope you celebrate ‘Open That Bottle Night’ http://www.openthatbottlenight.com/ on Saturday! For now, it’s Eddie ‘Little Simon’ Idol……OUT!!

Sorry this is up late -- not Eddie's fault, it's mine -- not finding a lot of time to blog this week!

My Top 12 predictions may take yet another beating tonight depending on how America votes! After last night’s show….I believe I lost at least one (or more!) who I thought were a lock for the TOP 12, and think I’m safe on at least two more, but may get a sweep if one of my originally chosen 1/2 dozen dark-horse candidates again makes it IN to climb into the TOP 12. Hoping for a clean sweep, but knowing America, there’s always a surprise! So…..here are my thoughts on last night’s performers….

Jasmine Murray- Here’s the one I take the hit on! L Had here pegged for TOP 12. Started out badly with ‘Love Song’, got better, but it was very pitchy and I don’t think it’s going to be good enough to get her through. I do think she’ll be back for the Wild Card Round though next week on March 5th, so she still may be in the TOP 12 when it’s all said and done!!

Matt Giraud—I had this kid pegged for stardom too, and the TOP 12….but picking Coldplay’s ‘Viva La Vida’ was a kiss of death! Very risky, give him credit for that, but too tough to perform. He tried putting his own spin on it, but I don’t think he performed it well enough. Look for him to be back in the ‘Wild Card’ round next week, as the judges do like this kid!

Jeanine Vailes— GREAT LEGS!!!! :-0 But another tough song to do with ‘This Love’ by Marroon 5. She just didn’t do it well at all, but look for her as a Model in a legs commercial somewhere down the road!

Nick Mitchell---Just a ghastly performance that isn’t worthy of any comments other than he got his few weeks of fame, and now it’s time to go home!

Allison Iraheta—This girl wasn’t even on my radar through Hollywood, and I don’t care for the red hair or her look, but she’s got a great voice! She nailed a great Heart song ‘Alone’ and deserves to be the Top Girl Vote Getter tonight! TOP 12!!

Kris Allen—Little face time for this kid all the way thru Hollywood, so he needed to make an impact. Kiss of death picking a Michael Jackson song ‘Man in the Mirror’, but actually he did it pretty well. I just don’t think it was good enough for the TOP 3 on this night, so think he’s going home. Possible that he’ll return to the Wild Card round next Thursday night!?

Megan Corkrey—Liked this girl from the start and had her pegged for TOP 12! Like her new look with the curly blonde hair, great eyes too, very photogenic! HATED her song, ‘Put Your Records On’….UGH!! She did do it well though, but I wasn’t crazy about her little, quirky twists and turns while singing. She’ll be the 3rd one through tonight! TOP 12!!

Matt Breitzke- OK….here I will agree with Simon, what else is new, and the other judges in saying BAD SONG CHOICE with Tonic’s ‘If You Could Only See’….not his style at all! Back to welding some more pipes Matt….and get some damn hair too!

Jessica Langseth—I’ve never really liked this chick very much at all, and even though I loved the song she picked with Kim Canes’ ‘Bette Davis Eyes’, it was just OK and pretty forgettable! No loss here…..bye-bye Jessica, you’re going home!

Kai Kalama—I like this kid, had him pegged as a dark-horse for the TOP 12, and think he still has a shot at it. YES….he picked an OLD song n ‘”What Becomes of the Broken Hearted’ by Jimmy Ruffin, but I though he sang it really well! I hope he makes it through tonight, and if not, hope he’s back for the Wild Card night next Thursday!

Mishovanna Henson— Love the name, and absolutely loved her song choice with ‘Drops of Jupiter’ by Train, which I don’t think she did all that badly, since it’s a guy/group song. But probably, for the 2nd season in a row, she doesn’t make it through to the TOP 12, but think we may see her back in the Wild Card round next week!

Adam Lambert- He’s the ‘double’ for my son Jonathan, so yeah….I liked this kid from the start and think he did what he needed to do to move on to the TOP 12 last night. Pretty awesome rendition of the Stones ‘Satisfaction’ song, this kid has talent and incredible range, and the ‘David Cook’ persona going on! Yes, he’s theatrical and that could catch up with him, but he’s a LOCK for the TOP GUY VOTE GETTER tonight and IN for the TOP 3 from last night! TOP 12!

BOTTOM LINE: It was yet another night of several poor song choices by many of the contestants, which is getting a bit old with the judges based on their comments. It’s as if someone does an ‘older genre’ song than their supposed to do because of their younger age, it’s a poor song choice! I don’t always agree, and thought many picked great songs, but….they just didn’t rise to the occasion and perform them as well as they should have! Contrary to what others feel (friend Pete mostly) I thought this group was considerably better overall talent-wise than last week’s group from top-to-bottom, and tonight’s votes could be a surprise for several contestants!

Let Kimmy and I know, based on tonight’s voting results, who you think should have made it through from last night’s show, or if you agree with all that get voted through!

More from Eddie Idol tomorrow……after the results show tonight and 3 more lucky contestants are added to the TOP 12!

So last night Hollywood offered up its best and most glamorous for the 81st annual Academy Awards. This is one of my favorite nights of the year and my Oscar party, as usual, kept the actual show from putting me to sleep.



No, I won't be recapping who won what here, if you're really interested, visit http://www.oscar.com/ for the official winners list.



For me, it's always all about who's there, who they're with, and, of course, who they're wearing! Fashion, fashion, it's all about the fashion! The Acacemy Awads Red Carpet is the Superbowl of Fashion. And just to prove it, Heidi Klum AND Tim Gunn were there last night!



So, I started my evening off watching E! from 6-8 for the oh-so-awaited arrivals.



ABC, knowing full well, that the red carpet draws almost as much attention at the awards themselves, opted to start their evening with red carpet coverage at 6:30. It was interrupted at 7 for the Barbara Walters Special and then returned at 8 as a precursor to the Oscar telecast, which began at 8:30.



What follows are just my notes and observances of the evening.



First acknolwedged celebrity to arrive on E!'s arrival show was Miley Cyrus, who I guess was there to support Animated Feature nominee Bolt. She was wearing a hideous scalloped dress that did nothing for her ... and her mom was showing off her first-ever pair of real diamond earrings.

Are you serious??? Is Billy Ray really that cheap, that he never bought his wife of something like 20 years a pair of REAL diamond earrings??



Next notable celeb up was the oh-to-pretty Zac Efron and his onscreen-offscreen love Vanessa Hudgens, who had a lovely black mermaid dress on. So far, this one's my fave.

I also loved Viola Davis' golden halter creation. It looked beautiful on her and flattered her skin color. I was not nearly as impressed with fellow nominee Taraji P. Henson's white layered gown as Miss Jay from E! was. I thought it looked like she was wrapped in toilet paper.

My highlight came at 6:55 when vampire Edward Cullen, I mean presenter Robert Pattinson, showed up dressed head-to-toe in Dolce & Gabbana! OK, so I'm biased here, but I was so thrilled that he went the classic route with perfect tux and bow tie, instead of the I'm Young Hollywood and Don't Have to Comply with the Academy look that some younger stars donned.

Remember, even though you're not nominated now, the Academy is watching, showing respect now will pay off later ...



OK, now I'm getting annoyed ... Is it really necessary to have the camera on Marissa Tomei so looonng? Her geometric-layered white (yes, another white) gown, while better than others that she wore this awards season, was a miss.



I'm liking Amanda Seyfried's red dress -- although later when she was presenting, I took that back ... that bow was ridiculous!



Oh my, who's the Cinderella at the end of the red carpet -- why it's Sarah Jessica Parker, in a full white/silver ball gown. A tiny bustiere topping a very full dress -- like I said, Very Cinderella. (I later found out it was Diore couture, very ooh la la!) Why is she the only celebrity that can pull off such a variety of looks?

This photo doesn't do the dress justice, watch for it on TV tonight during all the post-Oscar entertainment shows!

And she confirmed to E! that all four principals have signed on to make another Sex & The City movie -- yay!



7:15 pm -- Seacrest finally does something worthwhile and interviews Pattinson! Oddly enough, Ryan's the same height, which only proves my speculation that he's standing on a box behind that fake hedge. Ryan, we all know you're not that tall. Anyway, Pattinson admits to "catastrophically" blowing his rehearsal Saturday and predicts he will be the let down of the whole show. Actually Rob, you were my high point of the whole show!



And a big thank you to the person who had the sense to seat Rob behind Mickey Rourke. Rourke donned a hideous white suit (though it looked better than anything else he had worn to an awards show) and every time the camera panned the audience, he was easily spotted. Then all I had to do was look immediatly behind him and Hello Rob!

Back to Rourke for a sec -- I thought it was totally endearing that he wore a necklace with a photo of his recently deceased best friend, Loki, his chihauhau, who passed only six days ago ... Loki was supposed to attend the show with her master and Rourke had a little tux made. He said he had it with him.



Right after that 15-time nominee (yes, that's a record) Meryl Streep showed up -- frumpy as usual. While one of the greatest actresses of all time, don't look for her on Project Runway anytime soon. Meryl couldn't pick out a flattering dress to save her life.



Next up was Ron Howard (who ALWAYS looks better when he's wearing a hat). Howard was nominated for best director for his film Frost/Nixon, and walking the red carpet with him actually was Sir David Frost!!



Josh Brolin walked with wife Diane Lane. Is it just me or does Josh look more like his handsome father everyday? Yeah, James is still better looking, but Josh is catching up ...



Queen Latifah looked great in custom couture, joking that it had to be custome 'cause "They don't make couture in my size!"



Flipping over to the Barbara Walters Special just in time to see The Jonas Brothers -- hey WTH, where's the sound???



Back to E! Jessica Biel shows up, looking like she just rolled outta bed. What was with her hair? Not a good look Jess.



Peter Gabriel, who backed out of performing his best song nominee -- just looked old, while 74-year-old Sophia Loren looked fabulous!! Man, that lady's got some great genes!



Natalie Portman was gorgeous in a fuschia strapless gown. Another of my faves.

OMG -- at 7:38 Brangelina shows and she's looking fabulous too. After making frumpy appearances at the Golden Globes (where she opted to wear her gown backwards) and the SAG Awards. Angie stunned the red carpet in a black strapless sheath-gown that fit her in all the right places. Brad looked tired -- hey, the man's got six kids now! Tired or not, he's still gorgeous.



Yay, Kate Winslet's here! Can't wait to see what -- what the hell?? - is she wearing? Oh Kate, don't do this to me!! You showed up at the Globes and SAG looking spectacular and tonight is sooo going to be your night. After 5 nominations, Kate will finally win and that's what she chose to wear? Sorry, your Yves Saint Laurent dress is not working for me babe.

Hey Robert Downey Jr. just showed up -- looking amazing! I don't know what he's had done since the SAG awards, but he looks amazingly younger! Good for you Robert -- so glad to see you back and doing so well.

Back Barbara Walters, and yes, she's interviewing Oscar host and Sexiest Man Alive Hugh Jackman. I love this guy and soo looking forward to the show because of him! In typical style, Babs goes for the tears -- and Jackman, while not blubbering, does well-up while talking about his father coming to see him at Carnegie Hall.



And how's this for irony? Hugh's dad was a senior partner at Price-Waterhouse, the same company that famously tallies the Oscar votes year after year, and now his son is hosting the Oscars.



E! coverage ends with a tribute to Bollywood! Indian dancers, who will later grace the Oscar stage, stop in to teach E!'s hosts how to dance Bollywood-style. And, hilariously, E! gets the jokeand proceeds to show everyone from E! doing the Indian-style dance!

Over to ABC's official red carpet, hosted by GMA's Robyn Roberts and Tim Gunn (Yay Tim Gunn!!). Roberts looks superb in a lovely red gown, while Tim is always the personification of class.



The ABC coverage gave us the chance to see Gunn gush over Brad & Angie, practically accosting them, while Mickey Rourke continued to pay homage to Loki.



And finally it was time for the show.



Jackman hits the stage performing a song & dance number for each of the movies nominated for Best Picture. He enlists the help of Anne Hathaway, who managed to change dresses. It's better than when Rob Lowe danced with Snow White, but nothing like what Billy Crystal would've done ...



Jackman is rewarded for his efforts with standing ovation from his peers. Overall, the show felt more intimate, like theater. However, that intimacy dragged on and left some people falling asleep in their chairs and me in mine too ...



Then Whoopi Goldberg showed up in that hideous leopard print nightmare (sorry I couldn't find a photo, probably 'cuz that dress cracked every camera lens trained on it)!! Along with her was Tilda Swinton, last year's winner for best supporting actress -- looking equally horrible. It's OK Tilda, we expect that from you.

Fortunately, Jennifer Aniston walked out with Jack Black and showed them all how it should be done. Her beaded white strapless was perfect.



Right off the bat, I'm annoyed because one of the new "changes" to the format is apparently not showing clips from the nominated-actors performances. Instead they're bringing out former winners in the acting categories and having them each say something (drawing things out more ... snore) about a nominee. Yawn!



These must be the "surprise" presenters, as we did not see them on the red carpet.



Then finally, some comic relief arrives in the form of Ben Stiller channeling his outer Joaquin Phoenix, complete with sunglasses and messy beard. Thanks Ben, we needed it!



Afterwards it was time for that atrocious musical number. Sorry Hugh, I love you, but this really didn't work for me. I was especially disappointed it didn't end with a kick line -- and I'm serious! Hugh's long legs kicking is a sight to behold. Although I gotta give it to Beyonce, she worked it girl! And managed to look better than everyone else.



After many, many minor categories were presented five former best supporting actor winners hit the stage to present the same -- and leave it to Cuba Gooding Jr. to make us laugh again. He was honoring Robert Downey Jr.'s performance as (here we go again, last time, I promise) "the dude playing the dude disguised as another dude" in Tropic Thunder, and congratulated him on his next movie -- "Shaft."



During the same presentation, Kevin Kline teared up while honoring the late Heath Ledger, who went on to win as expected. Heath's family got a standing ovation while accepting his Oscar. Queu close-ups of Brad Pitt, Adrian Body, Robert Downey Jr., Ben Kingsley, Anne Hathaway and Angelina Jolie, all visibly tearing up.



Boy this is really getting long isn't it? Now you know how I felt last night ...



Next up, Best Documentary feature -- and it goes to "Man on Wire," a film about a French man Phillippe Petit, walking a tight rope stretched across the World Trade Center. While the producers are accepting, Petit runs up to the stage to say thank you and balances the Oscar upside-down on his chin!



Will Smith takes the stage and he's such a big star that he presents 4, yeah 4, Oscars. This must have been to make up for those unknown A-listers who allegedly backed out at the last minute ...



It's song/dance time again -- this time for the songs actually nominated. Thank goodness for Bollywood!! The two songs from Slumdog Millionaire actually livened things up for a minute or two. And the Oscar goes to -- "Jai Ho" from Slumdog! I might actually have to look up this soundtrack. (Note to producers: Every Oscar ceremony shoul feature an upbeat Bollywood song, even it none is nominated!)

At 11:05 ABC airs a preview of next week's Brothers & Sisters. While I've been encouraged many times to watch this show, I never have. But after watchig that wicked promo, I might actually tune in next week!

Either that or I was just really, really bored at this point.

Here comes a shocker -- Waltz with Bashir didn't win Best Foreign Film (what???????). Yeah, after winning every other award that came along, it's completely shut out by Japan's Departures.

Where the hell is Hugh Jackman? He's been missing a long time now. And I guess that's my main complaint. I think he's doing a great job, they're just not using him enough!

And here comes another highlight of the annual Oscar telecast for me.

In Memoriam.

C'mon now, you all know that you like this segment too. It's always interesting to remember those who've entertained us over the years and pay homage to them. And this past year was a doosy! Included were Cyd Charisse, Bernie Mac, Van Johnson, Michael Crichton, Isaac Hayes, Ricardo Montalban, Stan Winston, Sydney Pollack, Anthony Minghella, Roy Scheider, Charlton Heston and Paul Newman. God bless ...

I promise, we're almost thru.

Finally, the big ones -- Kate Winslet got her Oscar for Best Actress -- finally! Shouting out for her dad to whistle so she could find him in the audience. And he did!

Robert DeNiro had the privilege of honoring Sean Penn for his nomination, asking "How did Sean Penn for all those years play straight men?" And pointing out the way he "gently reasons with the papparazzi."

And here's my favorite part of the whole show -- while the camera was trained on Mickey Rourke, being honored for his nomination, Rob Pattinson could be seen lurking over his shoulder! I swear I missed everything that was said about Rourke,because I was completely mesmerized by Rob!

In the upset of the evening, Penn beat out Rourke, winning his second Oscar. And who knew Sean Penn could be so light-hearted.

"You commie, homo-loving sons of guns!" joked Penn to the audience. "I do know how hard I make it to appreciate me." Before the end of his speech, Penn returned to his usual political demeanor, asking the audience to reflect on shame for being against gay marriage.

Then Penn got all emo on Rourke for winning his award.

Finally Steven Spielberg arrived to present Best Picture, which went, as expected, to Slumdog Millionaire, and it looked like the entire cast got up on stage to accept.

All in all it was a typical Academy Awards evening. And although I seem to be complaining now, I had a great time! I think I'm just a bit cranky 'cuz I didn't get to go to all the after parties, even though this morning I felt like I had been up all night!


Till next year!

For more pictures, interviews, etc. visit http://www.oscars.org/

As I said in the AI blog earlier this week, after a night of very poor song choices and forgettable performances from the first Group of 12, I’d have been shocked if the 3 people I chose (Alexis Grace, Ricky Braddy and Danny Gokey) didn’t get voted through.

BUT…..true to form, America voted…..and pulled a BIG surprise! I thought Ricky Braddy’s performance was worthy of a TOP 12 spot, but America said….as Lee Corso so often does….Not so fast my friend!!!....and voted through Michael ‘Oil Rig’ Sarver, who I had in my ‘GOOD’ performance category from Tuesday night, and listed as a serious dark-horse candidate.

If it would have been anyone else besides him, I’d have been really ticked off! But….Michael Sarver’s incredible likeability, politeness and just overall super personality got him through!

Thank the good Lord that Tatiana has gone home!

I was bummed and very disappointed that Anne Marie Boskovich and Stevie Wright sang so poorly, and I truly do expect Ricky Braddy, and come to think of it, possibly Anne Marie to still have a shot at the Top 12 in the Wild Card Night sing-off on Thursday, March 5th….so let’s see if they resurrect themselves that night!

Bottom Line: Think this next Group of 12 is a stronger group than the first, and now that they’ve seen one group already sing, it’s definitely an advantage to them, especially on SONG CHOICES!

Next week’s Idol Shows are Wednesday and Thursday nights, no Tuesday night show! LOST fans, for which my brother Ron is #1….make a decision….& set your DVR’s on Wednesday to one or the other!!

OK…..let’s hope Group #2 gives some way better performances this coming week….until then…..a great weekend to all….for now, it’s Eddie ‘Little Simon’ Idol……OUT!!

Kim: No decision needed Eddie -- LOST always wins!!

Hi Project Runway fans ... I totally squeeeeed in delight while perusing David Dust's blog today and saw that he attended the Project Runway Season 6 finale in Bryant Park!!

David has commented over here and left the link to his blog. Check it out. I think he's brilliant!

Anyway, if you're dying for a Project Runway fix, since we don't know if we'll ever actually see Season 6, here's the link to David's post!

http://daviddust.blogspot.com/2009/02/project-runway-season-6-fashion-show.html

Enjoy!
And if you likey, leave a comment and show Mr. Dust some love!

Sorry I haven't posted this sooner, I've been in mourning. If you watched Wednesday night's episode of Top Chef and are a regular reader of this blog ... you already know why. If not -- read on ...

The Final Four -- Hosea, Carla, Fabio and Stefan -- were summoned to New Orleans to compete for the title. Obviously, they had been sent home after last week's episode for an undetermined amount of time, because Fabio arrived not only with a Mohawk, but his broken finger is now A-OK!

After arriving at one of those historic plantations New Orleans is so proud of, the cheftestants were greeted by hostess Padma, who couldn't wait to introduce the challenge's guest judge -- New Orleans Embassador de Cuisine Emeril Lagasse. I guess now that he's done with the Food Network, Mr. Bam! is free to appear on Bravo.



This week's QuickFire Challenge offered up a twist. The Final Four wouldn't be competing. Instead prior cheftestants Leah, Jaime and Jeff were brought back for a chance to get back in the game.



"Give me a break!" exclaimed Fabio, obviously flabberghasted that one would win the right to compete again.



Hmmm, it looked to me like things were a little awkward between Hosea and Leah ... don't forget that little make-out session they had a few weeks back.



The three returning chefs were tasked to create a dish with crawfish -- one of Emeril's favorites.



Leah's worried (big surprise), seafood was never her strong suit. Although now she's complaining about having to cook outdoors. She chooses to go the safe route with that old southern standby Gumbo.



Jeff, who always tries to do too much (which lead to his downfall), decides to simplify with Crawfish and Grits. He admits to being nervous cooking for Emeril.



Jaime decides to make a corn cake and greens with a ham and crawfish cream sauce (??).



In the midst of all, Stefan let's out a shocker and says "Leah's a good chef" (whaaaa?).



Jeff's nerves prove to be unworthy of their troubles, as Emeril chooses him as the winner. This puts Jeff back in the competition.



Bye-Bye Leah and Jaime.



The remaining cheftestants are all invited to spend the evening dining at Emeril's Delmonico Restaurant. And, of course, they're all very impressed with the quality of the food.



The next morning, the chefs travel to one of New Orleans' famed Mardi Gras warehouses, where the various floats are kept. Padma informs them that for the Elimination Challenge they will cater a charity event for the Orpheus Krewe. Each chef is responsible for creating 2 dishes (one must be Creole) and a cocktail for about 100 people. They will have 5 hours to prep and cook at Delmonico. They also get full access to the kitchen and food supplies.



Jeff is informed that in order to progress to the finale, he must win this challenge. If he does, two other chefs will be sent home. If he loses, Jeff is out, along with one other cheftestant. The winner of this challenge also gets a brand new Toyota Venza auto. Fabio, who really wants this prize, declares, "My car is a piece of poop!"



Time starts now!



Hosea decides to go with Duck, Andouille and Chicken Gumbo (more gumbo, sheesh!), Pecan-Crusted Catfish and a Hurricane with Grand Marnier and Rum.



Carla keeps it simple with Oyster Stew, Shrimp and Andouille Beignet and a non-alcoholic Cranberry Spritzer. Unfortunately, Carla later finds out that the oysters, while aplenty, are not shucked!



Stefan opts to make Duck and Rabbit Gumbo over Grits (more gumbo, anyone?), Apple Beignet and a Black Cherry & Rum Cocktail (mmm, could I get one of those now, please?).



Fabio gets daring with a Sausage and Rabbit Maque Choux with Grits (I have no idea ...), Muffuletta Bread, Crawfish & Crab Stew over Casereeci Pasta with a Bell Pepper Martini (oh yeah, gotta try one of those *smirk*).



Jeff goes with Fried Oysters with Sausage, Crawfish Pot de Creme (WTH??) and a Cucumber Mojito.



Sorry, I just have to laugh to myself right now, because I also watch Fox's trainwreck Hell's Kitchen, and after looking over the names of these dishes, I triple-dog dare any of the so-called "chefs" on that show to attempt making just one of them! Hell's Kitchen is the anti-Top Chef, but that's another story ...



As the chefs settle in and get to work, Hosea and Stefan realize that gumbo might not have been such a great idea, as it takes a lot of time to cook right. But Stefan's biggest problem is that over-sized ego of his, he thinks he's got it in the bag! And Carla's freaking out over the 100 oysters she has to shuck.

When Head Judge and Chef Tom Colicchio drops by to check on everyone, he wonders out loud why Carla doesn't just steam the oysters open (good question).

While Carla's stew is going just fine, she hasn't yet added said oysters and is worried that they won't get done and she's "gonna have to MacGuyver it!"

On to the Masquerade Ball at the New Orleans Museum of Art -- Carla's still shucking oysters, by the way.

As everone sets up their serving tables, the judges enter wearing masks. One by one they are revealed, and to my delight (and I'm sure the chefs) Gail Simmons is back!! Yay Gail!

By this time, I'm sure Elfman's getting all hot and bothered, because Padma looks smoking hot in her gown! Padma, we expect no less from you, ever!

Back to the cheftestants -- Carla finally asks for some SHUCKING HELP!!

(Yeah, I just liked writing SHUCKING HELP!)

The guests arrive and everyone goes right for the food. Fabio's a big hit with the crowd, as usual. He officially calls his bell pepper martini a "Trinitini," and some guy said Fab's caserecci pasta "was like a parade in my mouth." .... Oh, don't even go there!

Carla receives "hootie-hoos" from her fans over her offerings, while Emeril calls her dishes very New Orleans-inspired. (good sign C-babe.)

The judges are happy with Hosea as well. Emeril says he loves Hosea's gumbo! WOW! you go boy!

Of course, all the fun and frolicking must come to an end and everyone's summoned to Judges Table.

Jeff: Judges loved his oyster dish and praise him for his homemade sausage -- (again, don't go there).

Fabio: Judges wanted more heat. Fab thinks it was hot enough .. C'mon you hot Italian man, more heat please. While his cocktail smelled good, it didn't live up to the expectation, it was deemed too sweet. Fab says he likes sweet.

Stefan: Emerial says "never in 28 years have I seen Gumbo over grits" and they were very good grits! Tom slugs Stefan for being "over-confident." Whew, didn't see that coming, did you Stefan?

Carla: Thought her dish was too hot -- no girl, actually you're the one on fire! Judges have only praise for her oyster stew, drink and beignet -- Oh snap!! Have I mentioned how much Carla has grown on me over the season?

Hosea: Apologizes to judges for them getting to his table so late in the evening. Why, it's not his fault? However, judges loved his gumbo, with Emeril adding, "If I was blindfolded, I could be in any great restaurant in New Orleans."

Then Padma says ... "We have a TON of things to talk about. I'll see you in a MINUTE." Really, it'll only take a minute to talk about TONS of things?

Judges deem Stefan and Fabio as their least faves and worry openly that although they've both have been great competitors, they may lose one or both of them.

After a minute (??) Judges summon everyone back in and remind Jeff that if he doesn't win, he's gone! Oh thanks, like he forgot ....

Emeril names Carla the winner and Jeff packs his knives and goes ... for the second time.

Padma congratulates Hosea, letting him know he made it to the final.

And then there were two ... arrogant Stefan and fabulous Fabio. Two of the most promising chefs of this season.

Fabio's flavors were not layered correctly and he just missed the mark.

Stefan's food was good, but you're cocky.

Either way, it's the end of Team Europe!

Padma -- no, don't say it!! -- FABIO, please pack your knives and go.

**NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! said in Darth Vader's voice by James Earl Jones at the end of Episode 3!**

Fabio graciously hugs Stefan and tells him, "if you don't win I'll kick your ass!"

God I'm gonna miss that guy!

Next week -- the final of the finale! Somehow, it's lost it's excitement for me. But I guess I'll be rooting for Carla now.

And for those of you who dare -- check out David Dust's Top Chef Recap -- it's LOL Funny, Wickedly Crass and bound to make my recap look bad ... enjoy!

http://daviddust.blogspot.com/2009/02/top-chef-episode-thirteen-return-of.html

Coming up this weekend: Survivor Recap, Amazing Race Recap, Real Housewives NY Recap and, of course, THE 81ST ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS -- man, I'm gonna be busy!!

Love this shot!

Just a quick reminder for all my Top Chef fans -- the finale begins tonight. Yes, I said "begins," as all die-hard fans should already know, tonight is the first in a 2-part finale, ending next week.

Tonight, the Final Four from Top Chef New York -- humble Hosea, wacky Carla, the fabulous Fabio and arrogant Stefan (pictured in order above) -- will travel to New Orleans where Emeril Lagasse will serve as guest judge.

The Big Easy's Embassador de Cuisine will get the unenviable task of eliminating two cheftestants tonight, with the remaining two competing next week for the Top Chef crown!

"Watch what happens" on Bravo at 10 p.m.

And let's not forget about Lost -- the Oceanic 6 will learn how to "find" the island tonight at 9 p.m.!

Still watching the Real Housewives of New York episode from last night -- and it's not disappointing!! Those bitches came out guns blazin' at the onslaught and it's been snarky badness throughout! I'll be posting that, hopefully, sometime tomorrow!

Also, I haven't forgotten about the Amazing Race, just haven't had time to actually watch the entire episode yet. Will catch up before the next episode!

Cheers!

Call me Nostradamus, or call it coincidence…..but in my TOP 36 recap last weekend, before truly knowing that only 3 contestants would make it through out of each 3 groups of 12, I had 9 folks listed as ‘sure-bets’ for the TOP 12 and had several (6 total) others as ‘dark-horses’ to make up the final 3 spots! After last night’s show….I believe I lost two and was dead on for one, with another one of my dark-horses set to climb into the TOP 12.
Who are they you ask? Here ‘ya go….the GOOD….the BAD….and the UGLY!!!...

The GOOD
Alexis Grace—She made a believer out of me weeks ago, and last night’s rendition of ‘I Never Loved A Man’ by Aretha Franklin validates why she’ll be a force in this competition! She’s sultry, dirty sexy and can sing! In my opinion, BEST of the first group! She’ll get voted through tonight, and be part of the TOP 12 as I predicted!

Ricky Braddy—Who?? Yes…Ricky Braddy! Little face time on the show up to this point, and I agreed with Simon on the fact that this kid lacks ‘star quality’ and could be forgettable, but how do you NOT put him through after his incredible rendition of ‘A Song For You’ by Leon Russell? At first I wasn’t sure I really liked it, but played it back later on the DVR and was blown away! He’ll get through tonight….TOP 12!

Danny Gokey—Yes….I really did just type his name! And like Simon again, I’m not all that jacked up on all the hype this kid gets week in and week out, and what’s with another chick song, as he performed ‘Hero’ by Mariah Carey?! But of the first 12 last night, he’s gotta’ be in the TOP 3! I had him as a dark-horse for my TOP 12 before last night’s show!

Michael Sarver—I disagreed with the judges and think he did pretty well with the ‘ Gavin DeGraw’ song ‘I Don’t Want To Be’. His likeability factor may be enough to get him through, but now, I’d list him as a dark-horse to move on!


The BAD:
Jackie Thon—Never liked her annoying personality and thought her rendition of Elvis’s ‘A Little Less Conversation’ was just downright bad! I never liked the song even when EP did it, and I’m sure he was rolling over in agony in the grave last night!! Before last night thought she was a dark-horse candidate at best, but no way she moves on…..but then….I’ve been wrong before!

Brent Keith—OK…I’ll give him credit for one thing, he stuck to his CMT country roots with his ‘Hicktown’ song, but it just was OK, and quite forgettable! Bye-Bye Brent, back to CMT for you!

Anoop Desai-Thought his song choice was poor, ‘Angel of Mine’ by Monica…Who? What? Ugh!!! Too girly and too old of a song for him! NOOP will no longer be in the house!

Anne Marie Boskovich—Think I’ll suffer through another ‘TOP 12’ gone bad here! Sang Aretha’s ‘Natural Woman’ and just didn’t do any justice to it at all! Horrible song choice for her, did not fit her style at all!

Tatiano Del Toro—Drama Queen who looked high on some ‘relaxing drugs’ last night sang ‘Saving All My Love For You’ by Whitney…..and even though at times it was OK, overall the whole performance was plain bad. Save some love for yourself Tatiano, you’ll be going home tonight!


THE UGLY
Stephen Fowler—OK…so he didn’t forget the words to MJ’s ‘Rock With You’, but I agree again with Simon, he should have! Very karaoke-like performance, another poor song choice here! Fowler gone fowl!

Stevie Wright-Another sweet, young girl who I thought had TOP 12 potential….NO MORE! Picked a ‘young’ Taylor Swift song, ‘You Belong With Me’, but just killed it! Very pitchy, not well done in any aspect. Very disappointing performance by her, one she’ll hopefully learn from.

Casey Carlson- Calendar Girl gave by far the WORST performance of the night!! UGH! Singing ‘Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic’ by the Police, there was NO THING that was magical about this, and I was ready to call the local Police on this one for an ‘annoying disturbance’ from my TV! Go back to modeling bikini’s and selling calendars Casey!

BOTTOM LINE: After a night of very poor song choices and forgettable performances, I’d be shocked if the 3 I chose here don’t make it through, especially Dirty Alexis and the Dokey Gokey guy! And if you’re wondering whether or not I texted any votes in….YES….I text messaged votes in after the show for Alexis and Ricky Braddy, 2x for each one!

As Always, tell me who you think should make it through from last night’s show! Let me know your thoughts! And I’m still waiting to see everyone else’s ‘TOP 12’ predictions…or are you waiting until all 36 perform!? ;-0

More from Eddie ‘I’m Getting More Like Simon Every Day’ Idol……after the results show tonight! (Kim: Simon, I mean Eddie, you took the words right outta my mouth!)

OC Wives

Tonight over on Bravo, it's a double dose of those knit-picky, nouveau riche, bitchy, "real" housewives!!

Tune in at 10 p.m. to say good-bye to another season of the Real Housewives of Orange County. I'm sure there'll be plenty of shenanigans between Lynne, Tamra, Gretchen, Jeanna and Queen Bitch Vicki!

Then stay tuned 'cause at 11 p.m. it the second season debut of the wickedly successful Real Housewives of New York (my personal favorite)!

These vulgar "ladies" really give new meaning to the word "class."

And if you're a fan of the Bravo Network, you've already seen the preview many times. It features single gal, Betheny (why she's a "Housewife" I'll never know, but I love her!), yelling "Holy Catfight, what did you do now!" into the phone.

Tonight's episode centers on "plotzing," as snarky NY wife Jill would say. It seems that Jill talked a little too much to New York Post columnist Cindy Adams regarding other NY wife Alex's husband (you remember, the guy she can't leave the house without!), prompting the aforementioned decree!

Other highlights, according to the NY Post, include a descripton of the pool at the rented house Alex and her mankini-wearing hubby are styaing in being called "reminiscent of ancient Babylonia," and LuAnn, the Countess, ordering a pizza on the phone and identifying herself to the pizza man as the "Countess de Lesseps!" Remember last season, she had the audacity to correct Betheny for introducing her to Betheny's driver as "LuAnn." God forbid!

Thanks for all the appropriate snarkiness NY Post TV Critic Linda Stasi!

And, judging by the above photo, it looks like Jill (right) gets into it with the Countess (left) as well!

Next week, the show moves to its usual 10 p.m. Tuesday time slot -- be there!!

AI UPDATE………AI will be doing a whole new format this year to get to the TOP 12… The Top 36 are divided into 3 groups of 12. Group 1 performs tonight. After the show, America will vote as usual. During Wednesday night’s results show, AI will announce the 3 highest vote-getters–Top guy, Top girl and next highest of either sex–to advance to the Top 12. By Wed. of Week 3, America will have filled 9 of the Top 12 slots.

On Thursday of Week 3, (March 5th) a group of contestants, hand-picked by the producers, (mostly from the Top 36 but not necessarily) will perform AGAIN for the judges. At the end of the episode, the judges will choose the last 3 contestants to round out the Top 12.

Bottom line, in this crazy and confusing new format, is that by Friday, March 6th, we’ll know the TOP 12! So….that’s when you should start the contest to pick the AI winner, with all entries recd via the WEB by March 10th, before the Top 12 perform the following week on Tuesday and Wed, March 10th and 11th. Short window of time here!

Cheers,
Eddie Idol

CBS' Survivor kicked off its 18th season last Thursday night with the premiere of Survivor: Tocantins, set in the Brazilian Highlands.

16 contestants from all over the U.S. started out on a 40-day quest to Outplay, Outwit and Outmatch their tribmates to become the Soul Survivor and win $1,000,000!

Host Jeff Probst started the mayhem by announcing that contestants had 60 seconds to grab as many supplies from off the truck transporting them, before beginning an approximately 4-hour hike to their respective camps.

The Timbira Tribe consists of Coach , Candace, Tyson, Brendan, Debbie, Sierra, Jerry and Erinn.

The Jalapao Tribe consists of Sandy, Carolina, JT, Joe, Taj, Sydney, Stephen and Spencer.

The Timbira Tribe makes the most of their time, grabbing watermelons, water jugs, bananas, beans and wooden crates.

I don't know what the hell the Jalapao Tribe was thinking, but they didn't seem to get anything. Could this be early fore shadowing ... Jalapao could be in for a serious trumping by Timbira.

Immediately after their time is up, Probst announces that there will be a vote right now and one member of each tribe will NOT be making this journey. Aaaah, thanks Survivor, for always mixing it up and giving us surprises ...

Timbura immediately votes out Sierra Reed, the 23 year-old model from Los Angeles, who's showed weakness during the truck ride. She announces that she's suffering from a fever.

Sierra

Jalapao almost unanimously votes for Sandy, the 53 yearold bus driver from Louisville, Ky. Sandy's pissed, knowing that they only voted for her because of her "advanced" age ... really? Is 53 actually such a disadvantage??

Sandy

Jeff motions for both ladies to join him and announces that neither will be taking the first journey, however they will be transported to their camps via helicopter! "Thank you God," Sandy exclaims.

Jeff also points out that although they are relieved, both girls will be missing valuable bonding time with their tribes.

Meanwhile, the rest of the contestants begin their long treacherous treks to camp, leading to various complaints.

Along the way, we get to meet from Jalapao -- Spencer Duhm, the 19 year-old student from Lakeland, Fla., and youngest to every play the game; Stephen Fishbach, the 29 year-old corporate consultant from NY (I'm guessing the token gay guy), and JT, the 24 year-old cattle rancher from Samson, Ala., and requesite good ol' boy.

Coach

Standouts among the Timbira Tribe are -- Benjamin "Coach" Wade, the 37 year-old soccer coach (and asshat) from Bolivar, Missouri; Tyson Apostol, the 29 year-old professional cyclist from Lindon, Utah (also guessing gay); Erinn Lobdell, the 26 yearold hairstylist from Waukesha, Wisc.; Brendan Synnott, the 30 year-old entrepreneur from NY, NY, and Jerry Sims, the 49 year-old US Army sergeant from Rock Hill, S.C.

Upon arriving at Jalapao camp first, Sandy comes across a note which gives her the option to set up camp or hunt for a hidden Immunity Idol. She decides to look for the Idol.

Sierra, however, opts to set up camp, hoping to prove to her tribe that she's valuable. When her tribe arrives, they are very pleased to see that she already has a shelter built for them. However, Coach still believes that since she missed the valuable "bonding time" on the hike, "she has to go."

When the rest of Timbira gets to camp, close to dark, Carolina's immediately pissed that Sandy hasn't done anything! Sandy's viewpoint (given to the camera) is "The bottom line is this: when we go to Tribal Council, you're gonna write down my name again. Now why the hell do I even want to waste my energy on tryin' to get in your good graces when (it) wasn't even an option."

The following morning, Sandy makes an excuse and sets out to find the Idol again. She finds a stick in the sand on the beach and, per her clue, starts digging. She finds another clue that tells her to "take 10 paces" and starting digging again.

SURVIVOR DUMB MOMENT OF THE WEEK:
Sandy says, "What's a pace?" Are you kidding me? She 53 years old and has never heard of a "pace" before???? I think her chances of finding said Idol are slim to none at this point ...

Over at Timbira, the tribe has already finished its water supply, so Tyson and a couple of the girls go off to replenish. This gives the Mormon Tyson the perfect opportunity to strip naked so he can cross the pond and refill their water containers. At least he looks a lot better than Richard Hatch!

Tyson

On to the Reward/Immunity Challenge: Survivors arrive and Jeff tasks them with swimming out to a raft to retrieve puzzle planks, cross over some sand moguls and build a staircase. Once the staircase is built, all tribe members must climb and two players each will navigate a maze to release their Tribe's flag. First to raise flag wins fire and immunity.

As the race begins, JT is way out front, while Carolina struggles in the water. After retrieving their rafts, Jalapao is leading to get to the maze.

Question: Was Sierra not wearing undies? The show censored out her nether-regions during the whole challege -- WTH??

While Jalapao led all the way thru the challenge, Timbira slips past them in the maze and wins!

Back at Jalapao comes the task of deciding who to vote out first. Sandy still seems to be a lock at this point. While cooling themselves off in the river, Taj tells Carolina, in front of Stephen, that she needs to calm down because she tends to panic and it's starting to annoy everyone. Carolina had previously been bickering about "cleaning up" at camp, to which Taj replies, "Clean up the outdoors?"

Spencer, speaking to Joe, says he doesn't want to get rid of Sandy, stating that Sandy did really well on the challenge for an older woman (here we go again, guys, she's only 53!! Let's not forget Bob actually won last season and he was quite a bit older than Sandy!). Anyway, Joe throws in Carolina's name, because she's so bossy and that's going to be real annoying as the game goes on.

Later, Carolina apologizes to Sandy for writing down "old lady" during the vote at the beginning of the show.

On to Tribal Council ... where Sandy is criticized by her tribe for not diong anything when she was at camp well before the rest of them.

Jeff puts the spotlight on Carolina, who admits to being "boisterous and sometimes I come across a little whiney."

Bye-Bye Carolina!

Time to vote and it's unanimous -- Carolina is the first person voted out of Survivor Tocantins! Shame, she would've been great for some drama later on .... anyway, Jeff says something about the tribe pulling off the first blindside of the season and we're off on another season of Survivor!

And then there were four! And I'm sure none of you were disappointed with the outcome of last week's episode of Top Chef, appropriately titled "The Last Supper."

The show started off back at the apartment with the remaining cheftestants dealing with the loss of Jaime. Arrogant Stefan, who previously expressed a serious crush on her, easily dismissed her, saying "she had to go."

At the Top Chef Kitchen, hostess and Elfman's desire Padma showed up with guest judge, Chef Innovator Wylie Dufresne, who has an affection for eggs. The chefs were tasked to make an egg dish to "Wow" Wylie and given a whole hour to do it!

Wylie's innovation is Molecular Gastronomy -- ????, OK, you got me on that one. He's been on the show before and I still don't get it ...

Anyway, here's what the final five came up with:

Fabio made Eggs Sunnyside, Two Ways
Hosea made a Trio of Japanese-Style Eggs, a roll, tempura and fried egg salad.
Stefan came up with a Panecota and poached eggs with mango sauce.
Leah whipped up Quail Eggs Benedict with bacon Hollandaise.
And Carla (who was on fire last week), was not optomistic about her Dr. Seuss-inspired Green Eggs and Ham, stating her and molecular gastronomy were like "oil and water."

Fabio proclaimed himself to be "running like Flash," while Carla compared herself to the tortoise in the famous children's fable "The Tortoise and The Hair" ... and we all know how that turned out.

Carla won out -- Wylie really dug her innovation with the Seuss classic. Fabio was, pissed "I'm on the friggin bottom for what?" Hosea and Leah managed to join him.

On to the Elimination Challenge: Cheftestants drew knives, each with the name of a highly regarded chef in the TV world.
Fabio drew Lidia Bastianich, who he called the "Queen of Italian cooking in this country!" (Lidia's a big star at my house, we almost never miss her PBS show!)
Hosea paired with Susan Ungaro.
Stefan got Marcus Samuelson.
Leah drew Wylie.
And Carla couldn't believe her luck when she pulled superstar chef Jacques Pepin.

Each celebrity chef was asked to come up with their perfect "last supper," and the competing chefs were tasked to create these dishes.
Jacques chose Roast Squab with fresh Peas.
Susan asked for Shrimp Scampi and Tomatoes Provencal.
Marcus wanted Roasted Salmon with Spinach.
Lidia picked perfectly Roasted Chicken with Roasted Potatoes, Caramelized Onions and Salad.
And Wylie went with his fave, Eggs Benedict.

Carla, who won the right to swap dishes with anyone from the QuickFire Challenge, couldn't have been happier about her luck -- "Peas and I are like this," she said, while crossing her fingers. She couldn't wait to cook for Jacques!

Chefs were given $300 and 30 minutes to shop for ingredients at Whole Foods and two hours to cook.

Hosea proclaims "Stefan is without a doubt the guy to beat." While Stefan countered, behind Hosea's back, that "I don't think he has the balls to be a chef." Snark!

While preparing their meals, Carla decided "less is more," and Leah realized she had "something to prove." Yeah right Leah, you do, you should've been gone a few weeks ago ...

Stefan preened that there's "nothing I could possibly screw up with this dish." Careful Stefan, you may be the one to beat, but don't get to cocky, remember Richard from last season? He was undoubtedly the best of the cheftestants throughout the whole season, and completely blew it at the finale!

In the middle of everything, Fabio breaks his finger!!! I've watched and rewatched and still can't figure out how this happened ... Unbelievably, he decides to press on, saying "I'll chop it off and sear it so it doesn't bleed anymore -- I'll deal with this tomorrow!"

Over-confident as usual, Stefan decides to change his dish by making two different creations with spinach -- "What???" said Carla, completely perplexed by his decision.

Fabio has goosebumps over cooking his "home" food. His grandmother made this dish all the time ...

Chef and cohost Tom Colicchio shows up in the kitchen just in time to beg the cheftestants -- "Do not embarass me!"

And it was time to serve ...

Leah's worried about her overly thickened Hollandaise sauce over the Eggs Benedict, although Wylie was more upset over the egg whites being "runny."

Stefan (Roasted Salmon) brought about confusion with the two spinach sides. Marcus thought he nailed the sauce, but the fish was overcooked. Lidia thought that ruined the dish.

Jacques thought that Hosea (Shrimp Scampy) did not make a proper Provencal (tomatoes), and judge Toby Young was "not a fan of this dish."

Fabio had a hard time butchering his roasted chicken, due to the broken finger, comparing himself to "Jason on Friday the 13th!" But Lidia loved it, saying it was "something I was hoping would be just like this." Wylie also thought the chicken was "awesome and super tasty." Fabio's salad, however, didn't go over as well -- this is Top Chef folks, salads are never welcome here!

Carla told the judges she tried to "stay true to what I was told," adding that "I'm in awe of this man," referring to Jacques. Susan, who wasn't a fan of squab before, stated, "Carla has made me a convert!" Colicchio praised the simplicity. But the greatest compliment of all came from Jacques Pepin himself, who said he "could die happy with that (dish)!"

After the tasting was over, Colicchio congratulated the chefs for not embarrassing him!

Back in the Stew Room -- Fabio was grilled about his broken finger and claimed it wasn't a big deal -- "It's Top Chef, not Top Pussy!"

All cheftestants were invited to Judges' Table for review at the same time.

Leah was criticized for her runny eggs and the problem with the consistency of her sauce.

Stefan's overcooked fish was deemed poor and judges couldn't tell that the spinach was two separated dishes. (Ha-Ha Stefan, not impossible to screw up was it? ... I type in my best Yoda-style.)

Hosea's tomatoes were too refined, although Susan liked her dish.

Fabio's chicken was highly praised. Young said it was "like something you produced from your own childhood." However, the salad was compared to airplane food -- "I'm sorry, I'm gonna go shoot myself" over his airplane salad, Fabio shrugged.

Carla's squab was brought under fire for being overcooked, which she admitted she knew. However, Pepin told her "it was very tender" and she had made "incredible peas. I loved it!"

In the end, Fabio won the challenge and a huge bottle of wine. "I think it's gonna be gone in few hours!" he proclaimed. "Tonight we drink in Hell!" he said in homage to 300's King Leonidas ("Tonight we dine in Hell") -- Love ya Fabio!

And finally, Leah was asked to pack her knives and go, leaving what I think is one of the best final four in Top Chef history to compete this week for the title of Top Chef!

This Wednesday, the cheftestants will fly to New Orleans for the finale to be guest judged by, who else, but New Orleans Chef Embassador Emeril Lagasse!

I promise to update better this week!
Up Next -- Survivor: Tocantins Recap

Kim's comments: Sorry this is so late everyone. Eddie had a pretty busy week and so did I. I hope to post my Top Chef Recap later today, as well as Survivor: Tocantins, and some news. I should have the Amazing Race recap for tomorrow!

OK American Idol fans.……TIME TO GET SERIOUS!!!! THE TOP 36 IS HERE! And YES…..the SPOILER LIST that was ‘leaked’ was pretty accurate…..aside from mystery Nick and Michael, which to many people’s surprise ended up being Nick Mitchell (aka Norman Gentle) and Jeremy Michael Sarver….and also Nate McGee, who shockingly is Nathanial Marshall, drama king for all the guys!! The other BIG SURPRISE….Joanna Pacitti, aka ‘the Ringer’, getting the boot AFTER the TOP 36 was announced, and being replaced by one of my early favorites, bar singer/mom Felicia Barton! Good for her! J

So….that being said, let’s look at the TOP 36 again, now that it’s OFFICIAL and we’ve seen many of the contestants perform more after Hollywood Hell Week……and some who I still haven’t seen…PLUS…who Eddie thinks SHOULD HAVE been here that isn’t….and WHO I THINK WILL MAKE UP THE TOP 12….in RED!!!


Adam Lambert—Picked this ‘Wickedly’ talented kid to go far….he will….TOP 12…possibly much deeper!!
Alexander Wagner-Trugman—I’m sorry….but NO WAY this kid should have been picked ahead of Cody Shelton! Cody….you got screwed!!
Alexis Grace—Did not think this girl was even good enough to get through Hollywood, but….I’ve become a believer!! TOP 12!!
*Allison Iraheta— Only 16 years old….first time I EVER saw her on the show was Wednesday night, so I’ll hold out judgment until I see more of her!
Ann Marie Boskovich—The BEST from Jacksonville’s auditions who I said would go DEEP in the competition, YES…she will!! Top 12!
Anoop Desai - Noop Dog INDEED makes it through! Won’t make it too much farther though….maybe Top 24, but that’s it!
Arianna Ayesha Afsar - 16-Year old ‘Adopt-A-Grandfriend’ from San Diego….Nice kid, very likeable, should do well, but not strong enough for Top 12.
Brent Keith- Another contestant with past experience who I said would make the Top 36! Top 24…..all bets are off after that!
Casey Carlson – I said EARLY on I really like this girl….and ‘ya gotta love her ‘Campus Girls’ Bikini Calendar!! TOP 24……dark-horse for TOP 12!
Danny Gokey – Wow…..I just CANNOT like this guy!! Paula loves him….maybe she’s sleeping with him!? :-0 Anyway….TOP 24…..another dark-horse for the TOP 12!
Jackie Tohn – Annoying personality, will get on America’s nerves!! TOP 24…..dare I say it….possibly TOP 12!!

Jasmine Murray—Very pretty 16-year old girl who I said she was a lock to make it through Hollywood! TOP 12!!
Jeanine Vailes— Who and where the hell did this girl come from?? I have nothing to say…never have even seen her perform?!
Jessica Langseth— I’m sorry….but this girl over Frankie Jordan!!?? Not on her BEST day!! No way! Frankie, ‘ya should be here babe, not Jessica!
Joanna Pacitti – Girl with all the past experience and record labels, which many expect to challenge for the AI 8 Title, and she was IN….then booted OUT of the competition for having an affair with someone at 19 Productions, a Fox affiliate associated with the show. Bye-Bye Pacetti! Read more about our Philly girl here: http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/pacitti_disqualified_idol.html
Jorge Nunez – Spanish singing kid from San Juan…..still surprised that he’s on this list….but won’t be for long!
Junot Joyner— I’m not sold on this kid! Not a serious contender IMHO….
Kai Kalama—I said he was a LOCK for the TOP 24 early on….I still believe it…..TOP 12….maybe?!
Kendall Beard— Bubbly 23-year old blonde from TX who I said to WATCH OUT for early on, but....NOT TOP 12 after seeing her in Hollywood! TOP 24—YES!
Kristen McNamara— Put In by judges after the sing-off with Jenn Korbee….Hmmmmm……deep down, this girl has REAL talent, WORST-DRESSED for sure, but has talent! Personally…I would have been just as happy seeing Jenn Korbee move on. TOP 24….not too much farther!
Kris Allen—Kid from Arkansas who didn’t get a lot of face time, but had a nice voice in his audition….not sure how far he’ll go….he’s a mystery!

Lil Rounds – 23-Year old Memphis mom who I think, if you were placing bets in Vegas…..is the FRONT-RUNNER to win it all!! TOP 12….and possibly the AI SEASON 8 WINNER!!!!
Matt Breitzke- Didn’t have any confidence in this kid, too karaoke-like…..surprised he’s on the list. He was picked with Michael Sarver in the sing-off at the very end of the last show…he’s a nice guy, but will NOT last long!
Matt Giraud—Dueling Piano Player from Kalamazoo, MI who Simon said sounded like Elliott Yamin from AI Season 5. I said he was a lock to make it through Hollywood and to watch once he goy behind the piano!!! He did not let me down!! TOP 12 and possibly MUCH FARTHER!
Megan Corkrey –Young, divorced mom with the sassy, jazzy Broadway-type voice--who I said was a lock for the Top 36, maybe Top 24! Still believe it! TOP 12!!

Michael Sarver– The ‘Mystery Michael’ who makes it through like Matt Breitzke….but….he’ll go farther than Breitzke will!! Has to be the most polite contestant ever on AI….great guy who I hope goes far….TOP 24 for sure….another dark-horse for TOP 12!!
Mishavonna Henson—I’m not very impressed here, and don’t think she’s a very serious contestant.
Nathanial Marshall – The ‘Mystery Nate’ who made it through in a sing-off against Jackie Midkiff (WHO??!!)…Nate is the Drama King for guys and will not go very far……unless he learns to compose himself!
Nick Mitchell— Told you, told you, told you he’d surprise all and make it! He’s in….but unless he stays serious, for how long??
Ricky Braddy— WHO????? I know NOTHING about this kid! Jury is out on him….
Scott MacIntyre – As long as he’s behind the piano, he’ll be OK….TOP 24….and the sympathy vote comes through BIG and….YES>..gets him to the TOP 12!!
Stephen Fowler—I’m not a big fan of this kid….don’t think he’ll last long, possible TOP 24, but not sure he’ll even make it that far!
Stevie ‘Nick’s Wright – Named after Stevie Nicks. Super sweet girl with a great personality! I really like this girl! TOP 12!!!
Taylor Vaifanua—The BIG 5’11” girl who’s 16 going on 26…..I said she’d make it through Hollywood….TOP 24…all bets are off after that!
Tatiana Del Toro—Another BIG surprise here! Sooooo annoying, but wont make it past the TOP 24, if she even makes it that far!!!!
Von Smith – Odd kid, but he does have some pipes! I said he was one to watch from the auditions, and if he can ever just SING and NOT SCREAM, he could go deep! TOP 24….dark-horse for TOP 12!!

EDDIE’s ‘Who Should have Been Here’ LIST…..and ONE that WILL BE…

Felicia Barton—Bar Singer/Mom from the Louisville auditions who I had as my ‘dark horse’ candidate to crack the TOP 24! SHE WILL….SHE’s IN as a replacement for Joanna Pacitti!!!! Woo-Hoo! J
Frankie Jordan—Stay at home 23-yr old mom who sings and looks like Amy Winehouse….had here as a LOCK for my Top 24! Bummer!!!!! L
Cody Shelton—This kid really got hosed! He should be here!!
Jenn Korbee—Could very easily have made it over a half dozen others…..think it was a big mistake not putting her through!


Well…..there’s my thoughts…for now anyway! You’ll notice I have 9 listed as ‘sure-bets’ for the TOP 12 and have several others as ‘dark-horses’ to make up the final 3 spots! I’ll reserve the right to change/revise my list after we see all 36 perform, which will be done in groups of 12 over the next 3 weeks. After we’ve seen all 36 perform, from which it sounds mathematically at least, that 4 contestants will be booted OFF in each of the next three weeks….then….we’ll get down to the TOP 24!!

So tell me….who do you think should have made the TOP 36 that did NOT? And….who made the TOP 36 that you think should NOT have made it through? Let me know your thoughts! I’d also really like to see everyone else’s ‘TOP 12’ predictions, come on, go out on a limb and be a little gutsy & brave here!!

Until the 1st Group of 12 performs on Tuesday night….and after what I hope was a very HAPPY VALENTINE’S WEEKEND FOR ALL….it’s Eddie Idol….OUT!!