My American Idol................

Watching the American Idol finale with one eye and checking YouTube with the other for my "American Idol" a singer whose career I've followed since I was a young girl -- Jay Black of Jay and the Americans.  At 72, he is still a crowd pleaser!  Here he sings the classic "A Certain Smile", enjoy!

Who's Leaving Tonight?

Finally over the loss of my favorite contestant Paul McDonald (oh poor me!), I am watching American Idol again and have a new fave.  So, after last night's performaces, who do you think is going home?  Do you think the voters have gotten this season right or are we going to have another lackluster winner?  Chime in -- would love to hear from you all!  BTW, the positioning of the contestants does not indicate my favorite, I just thought it was a great shot.

SIMON COWELL and PAULA ABDUL REUNITING!

Breaking News:  Though not world or earth-shaking is that Paula Abdul had signed on to be part of the panel of Simon Cowell's new show The X Factor.  Since I have so missed the fun tension between these two since Paula and then Simon left American Idol, I for one am happy to hear the news and look forward to seeing if the crazy chemistry between the two still exists.

Renewed Interest in AMERICAN IDOL

I've made no secret of my disappointment in American Idol this season, especially after my favorite contestant Paul McDonald was voted off.  However, I tuned in last night and caught James Durbin's cover of "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" and my interest has been renewed!  I thought his performance and choice of song was exceptional and wish him the best.  Maybe there is still hope for American Idol after all.

AMERICAN IDOL -- What Has Happened?

Not sure if it is only me, not sure if I just really think the judging panel is sorely lacking since Simon Cowell left, but I feel that AMERICAN IDOL has completely lost its direction and focus.  There seems to be no true criticism, only stroking of the contestants.  Without true critiques, how will an artist grow and how will the next "American Idol" be able to make it in the "real" recording world if they think they are great just as they are?  I think the voting has to be reworked as in my honest opinion, some of the stronger contestants went home way too early and we are left with some really lackluster talent.  Would love to hear your thoughts!

OVER AMERICAN IDOL................

It took me several weeks before I could tolerate watching American Idol without Simon Cowell.  As harsh as he could be, he also gave constructive criticism which seems to be sorely lacking with the new panel of judges. Some of the talent this season seemed to be really special so I did tune in.  Sadly, the voting system needs to be tweaked -- I am sure I am not the only person who feels the wrong contestants are being voted off.  First Pia Toscano, now Paul McDonald.  It sure seems that the voting is geared more to a popularity contest than a talent contest.  I've had my fill for this season -- any thoughts?

AMERICAN IDOL -- TIME TO VOTE!!

Did you watch, have you voted?  Last week proved all votes count -- no one is safe!

Here's my favorite, Paul McDonald and his version of "Old Time Rock & Roll"!!

PEOPLE Magazine WORLD'S MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMAN

Today, PEOPLE Magazine announced its choice for the world's most beautiful woman.  Their pick is the new American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez!  Any thoughts?

ROCK & ROLL ROCKS AMERICAN IDOL

Wow, what a show last night -- I loved Steven Tyler's tour of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame -- now on my "must see at some time" list!  And, I liked and or loved every performance -- that never happens for me.  But, once again, I adored my favorite Paul McDonald.  His version of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues", blew me away!

AMERICAN IDOL and my Favorite Pauls

So, last night was a nail biter for me with my Idol favorite Paul McDonald in the bottom three.  Come on America -- can't you see that this guy is so unique, certainly not deserving of a spot in the bottom three?  My favorite part of last night's show was the cover of Paul McCartney's "Band On The Run" by James Durbin, Paul McDonald, Casey Abrams and Stefano Langone. 

ROCKET MAN Lands On AMERICAN IDOL

Who is watching American Idol and who is voting?  You know you're out there.  I definitely am and this performance got my redial votes last night -- Paul McDonald singing Elton John's "Rocket Man".

AMERICAN IDOL NIGHT

Usually, when I am watching American Idol, I am doing other things too.  Tonight while getting ready to tune in, I decided to find some interesting music quotes.  I found this one by Leonard Bernstein and couldn't agree more -- wouldn't it be great to watch without commercials -- just once!

The joy of music should never be interrupted by a commercial.  ~Leonard Bernstein

STILL MISSING SIMON COWELL ON AMERICAN IDOL

There's plenty of talent of American Idol this season and I really do get a kick out of Steven Tyler.  However, I just think the judging has been rather whimpy and that can't possibly help the contestants.  They all want to go on to be professionals, so if they are always told how great they are, where is the room for improvement?
So, once again, I rambled through YouTube, missing the brutal honesty of Simon Cowell and found a clip to share

. 

AMERICAN IDOL USES SAVE

What a dramatic evening on American Idol last night -- did you watch?  Casey Abrams was one of the bottom three.  Though he is not my favorite, I certainly felt he didn't belong there.  He is unique and seems to be a favorite of the judges which they proved last night.  America voted Casey off and the judges used their once a season "save" to keep Casey on.  It was emotional TV as the judges stopped Casey mid-song to offer him the great news.  Now, next week, two contestants must go.  Do you think the judges made the right decision?

AMERICAN IDOL -- Did You Vote?

I found last night's Motown Night disappointing both in performances and song choices.  It was odd for me as I usually find the Beatles night to be the real clinker of the season but loved it this year.  Honestly, when you think of it who can do the Beatles better than the Beatles?
But, back to Motown.  There are so many fabulous songs from that era, I felt a little "cheated" by the choices, some were actually not real Motown songs.  But, I have to say that I was not disappointed by my pick so far for this season Paul McDonald and his version of  "Tracks Of My Tears".  So, yes, I did vote -- did you?  If you voted who did you vote for, I'd love to know.

AMERICAN IDOL NEEDS SIMON

While I am slowly getting used to the mellow atmosphere on the new version of American Idol without Simon Cowell, I still miss the tension he brought.  So, once again, I let my fingers do the walking through YouTube and came across this fabulous moment shared by Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell.  Somehow, I don't think we'll be seeing anything like this again on American Idol.

PAUL McDONALD - I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues

My American Idol favorite, Paul McDonald!

WATCHING AMERICAN IDOL

Watching American Idol and I have my favorite picked, Paul McDonald.  As a Rod Stewart fan, I see a "baby" Rod in Paul -- a Rod for this generation.  Do you have a your American Idol picked yet?

GOOD NIGHT MY LOVE by Jay Black and the Americans

Watching American Idol with one eye and roaming YouTube with the other.  I came across one of my all favorite songs Good Night My Love, sung by Jay Black and the Americans and thought I'd share.  The YouTube posting is courtesy of dunepaul9999.  Hope you love it too!

MAGGIE MAE Arrives On AMERICAN IDOL

Well, I may still be having trouble dealing with the new judges on American Idol, but I must say that there are some really fabulous contestants this season -- some actually shining on the first night.  My favorite performance last night was Paul McDonald doing "Maggie Mae".  Do you have a favorite yet?