Idol Thoughts

AMERICAN IDOL Top 9 Recap and Elimination Prediction

2009-04-01T11:16:00.005-03:00

I was really looking forward to last night's episode of American Idol, to see if this year's crew could tackle contemporary songs and demonstrate to the audience where in the pop music landscape they would fall. With two notable exceptions, however, I was quite disappointed -- poor song choices and karaoke-esque performances abounded. There's no doubt we've got a Top 9 brimming with talent, but are they losing steam about halfway through the competition?

Before I get to my elimination predictions, here's my rankings of the Top 9:

1. Kris Allen, A-
2. Adam Lambert, A-
3. Danny Gokey, B+
4. Allison Iraheta, B-
5. Lil Rounds, B-
6. Scott Macintyre, C
7. Matt Giraud, C-
8. Anoop Desai, C-
9. Megan Joy, D

Ok, on to the elimination prediction...

Green Zone - Totally Safe
Kris Allen, who I develop a bigger crush on by the week, once again showed he's taking this thing seriously, reinventing "Ain't No Sunshine" into a self-accompanied showstopper. Sure, this guy doesn't have the best voice in the competition, but 4 solid performances in a row mean he's gonna be in it for the long haul.

Ditto Adam Lambert, who gave a totally joyful performance of "Play that Funky Music" that allowed him to show off the lighter side of his personality and his killer voice. In my mind, if Adam doesn't win the whole thing, America is most definitely not voting for the strongest vocalist.

I'm also going to include Danny Gokey in this group, even though he's been slipping the past few weeks. After last week's "clumsy" showing, his choice to sing a Rascal Flatts song was an inspired one, and he delivered it with gusto. While it wasn't nearly as musically interesting as Kris or Adam, it should be more than enough for him to advance to the Top 8.

Yellow Zone - On Shaky Ground
Mark my words -- Matt Giraud is going to have a nervous breakdown live on TV. The poor guy clearly wants to be a rockstar, but the judges (and, likely, his fans at home) would prefer he stick to the Timberlake-esque tunes. I think he'll be okay this week, though, as his Bottom 2 scare should motivate his fans (even those who didn't love his rendition of The Fray's Adult Contemporary hit) to pick up the phone. Still -- get the straight jacket ready.

Then there's Lil Rounds, who I consider the competition's biggest disappointment thus far. There's no doubt she can sing, but this girl has absolutely no originality. "I Surrender"? Really? I love the song (especially when Kelly Clarkson killed it back in Season 1), but I though Lil was this year's R&B diva. How about showing some spunk, as opposed to singing every note exactly as it was written? Still, I think she'll live to sing another week.

Red Zone -- Danger Danger Danger!
That leaves Scott Macintyre, Anoop Desai, Megan Joy, and my beloved Allison Iraheta in the danger zone. Allison, you say? How could that be? Well, after last week's strong showing I'm afraid her fans may take her safety for granted, and her just so-so performance of No Doubt's "Don't Speak" may not have been enough to remind them she needs their votes.

As for Scott, will a leather jacket and a new (pompadour) 'do be enough to spare him? While I was bored to tears by his performance, there's no doubt this guy knows who he is (an Adult Contemporary artist through and through), and that's more than we can say for...

Anoop Desai. Oh, Anoop, what were you thinking choosing Usher's "Caught Up"? When are you going to get it through your head that you are not an R&B star? Perhaps a trip to the Bottom 2 (or, worst, an elimination) will finally convince him to stick to the ballads and leave the "entertaining" to Mr. Lambert.

Then there's Megan, who I really did adore during the first couple of weeks in the competition. Unfortunately, in the last couple of performances she has displayed absolutely zero performance savvy, and on top of that she's now coming off a bit cocky. (If I hear her mention "my fans" one more time I'm going to scream!) I think it may be time to put this quirky songbird down.

Final Prediction

Bottom 3:
Allison Iraheta
Megan Joy
Anoop Desai

Bottom 2
Megan Joy
Anoop Desai

Eliminated: Megan Joy

Agree? Disagree? Sound off in the comments section below!

Check Out the Trailer for "Taking Woodstock," Starring Jonathan Groff and Emile Hirsch

2009-03-26T17:54:00.002-03:00

Check out the new trailer for Taking Woodstock, the new film directed by Ang Lee, starring Jonathan Groff from Spring Awakening, Emile Hirsch, Demetri Martin, Imelda Staunton, Liev Schreiber, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan.

Thoughts?

Ok, I'll Say It -- The New Judges Save/Sing-For-Your-Life Is Icky!

2009-03-19T15:58:00.002-03:00

As if it wasn't bad enough that America voted off the talented and lovely Alexis Grace on last night's American Idol, leaving the far less talented Michael Sarver in the competition and on the tour, the poor girl wasn't even allowed to exit the show with dignity. Instead, she was forced to "sing for her life," while the judges decided whether or not she was worthy of using their "save" on.

Gross!!!!!

Now, I can't say I disagree with the judges' choice not to use the save, but forcing Alexis to desperately make her case, just moments after being told she received the fewest amount of votes in the Top 11, was just wrong. What happened to the lovely send-off video and kind words from the judges? Gone. Instead, she had to plead her case to the judges via the very song they said they don't think she should have chosen, and then listen to Simon tell her "You were good, but not good enough."

I repeat -- gross!!

There's got to be a better way for the end of the show to go down, right? Right????

Are the DANCING WITH THE STARS Professionals Now More Famous Than Their "Celebrity" Partners?

2009-03-18T14:03:00.004-03:00

A thought occurred to me over the past two weeks of watching Dancing with the Stars, as I found myself nervous that new pro Chelsie Hightower would be eliminated the first week out, and feeling for Lacey Schwimmer as she stood alone receiving comments without her partner Steve-O -- are the professional dancers on the show now more famous than their "celebrity" partners?

Think about it --

-Three of the pros (Chelsie, Lacey, and Dimitri Chapin) amassed sizable fanbases on So You Think You Can Dance (a show that gets a lot more viewers than Holly Madison' Girls Next Door).
-Edyta Sliwinska has been on eight cycles of the show
-Cheryl Burke has won twice and is a tabloid fixture
-Julianne Hough has a country CD and has been nominated for several awards
-Former champs Derek Hough and Mark Ballas have a new CD in stores
-Maksim Chmerkowskiy and Karinna Smirnoff are engaged, and constantly in the press

Now, this is not to say that some of this year's "stars" are, in fact, accomplished -- no one can take away Shawn Johnston's gold medal or Lil' Kim's notoriety or Laurence Taylor's football records. But in the Dancing with the Stars universe, there is no doubt that some of the pros have eclipsed their partners in terms of viewer affection.

Which begs the question -- is the playing field now stacked in favor of the pros who have their own fanbases? Lacey, Chelsie and Dimitri have fans who are used to voting for them -- does this, as a result, help Steve-O, Ty and Bridget? Will Julianne and Chuck last in the competition because of the audience's affection for Julianne? Will Denise Richards hang around because viewers can't get enough of Maks?

And does it even matter?

Let me know what you think in the comments section below.

American Idol Top 11 Recap and Elimination Prediction

2009-03-18T11:11:00.004-03:00

I'll be the first to admit that I was skeptical about this year's talent, but after two solid weeks of performance shows, I've gotta say -- the talent pool on this year's American Idol just might actually be the best yet.

Of course, let's acknowledge that there are 10 weeks left in the competition, and though contestants like Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert, Allison Irahata and Alexis Grace have shown they have talent in spades, and others like Kris Allen, Anoop Desai and Matt Giraud have proven themselves capable of delivering top-notch performances, we've still got a lot of ground to cover. And while there hasn't been a trainwreck yet, there have also not been jaw-dropping displays of vocal virtuosity (save, perhaps, Adam's "Black and White" last week).

Still -- so far, so good.

Before I get to the elimination prediction, here are my rankings for the Top 11:

1. Kris Allen, A-
2. Anoop Desai, A-
3. Allison Irahata, A-
4. Matt Giraud, A-
5. Danny Gokey, B+
6. Alexis Grace, B+
7. Adam Lambert, B
8. Megan Corkrey, B-
9. Lil Rounds, B-
10. Michael Sarver, C+
11. Scott Macintyre, C

On to the elimination predictions...

Green Zone - Totally Safe
Danny Gokey played right into his Christian rock comfort zone last night, and as a result, he should be just fine this week. Ditto Adam Lambert, whose goodwill from last week should power him through to the Top 10 despite the fact that he took a risk that didn't quite pay off. (Say what you will about the guy, but he definitely stayed true to his own sense of artistry.) Then there's the three gentlemen who tapped into their tender sides -- Kris Allen, Matt Giraud and Anoop Desai. All three sounded great and really connected with the songs they chose, and all three should have no problem advancing in the competition.

Yellow Zone - On Shaky Ground
There's no denying Lil Rounds has a killer voice, but her decision to "respect" the country song she choose, as opposed to infusing it with her own R&B flavor, made the end result pretty bland. She should be fine, but she better step it up in weeks to come or she'll find herself in the Red Zone.

Red Zone - Danger Danger Danger!
I've put five contestants into the Red Zone this week, and truly any of them is in danger of going home. Allison Irahata was fantastic last night (as you can see above, she was my third favorite of the evening), but I'm concerned that her consistency may actually be working against her -- could she fall into the Bottom 3 tonight, or even worse be eliminated? Alexis Grace has also given three strong performances thus far in the competiton, but the judges lukewarm reaction to her rendition of "Jolene" could spell trouble.

Then there's Megan Corkrey, who may just be saved by the revelation that she performed with the flu. I'm actually quite fond of this girl, quirky dancing and wonky notes and all, but I'm getting the sense that America may be tiring of her. Will they kick her while she's down and eliminate her this week?

That leaves Michael Sarver and Scott Macintyre. Sarver adequately performed Garth Brooks' tounge-twister (previously performed on Idol by Josh Gracin and Latoya London), but going first and not doing anything spectacular with the song may be doom for the oil rigger. As for Macintyre, he sounded just fine, but he's so Adult Contemporary boooooring that I'm having trouble imagining people running to their phones to vote for him. Neither gentleman is a bad singer, but either could easily go home this week.

Final Prediction
Bottom 3:
Michael Sarver
Alexis Grace
Scott Macintyre

Bottom 2:
Michael Sarver
Scott Macintyre

Eliminated: Michael Sarver

There you have it folks. Agree? Disagree? Leave a comment and let me know!

Kelly Clarkson Is Back At #1!

2009-03-17T18:08:00.002-03:00

Don't count Kelly Clarkson out...with her new album "All I Ever Wanted" flying off the shelves, she's back and better than ever!!

Hits Daily Double is reporting that Kelly sold 254K copies of her fourth album this past week, easily topping the Album Chart. While this number is slightly less than the first week totals for her last two albums, the success of lead-off single "My Life Would Suck Without You," along with four or five potential singles on the disc, mean this album should be selling well for quite some time.

And can I just say -- I love the album! "Cry," "Ready," and "I Do Not Hook Up" are my current favorite tracks, but I'm also diggin' on "Don't Let Me Stop You," "All I Ever Wanted," "I Want You," and "Long Shot." What am I saying -- I love the whole damn thing!

The Dream grabbed the #2 spot on this week's album chart with 147K discs sold, followed by last week's #1 U2, J. Holiday, and Taylor Swift.

American Idol Top 13 Recap and Elimination Prediction

2009-03-11T12:33:00.005-02:00

The first round of the American Idol season 8 finals is over! Before I get to elimination predictions, here's how I'd rank the Top 13:

1. Adam Lambert, A
2. Danny Gokey, A-
3. Lil Rounds, B+
4. Allison Irahata, B+
5. Alexis Grace, B+
6. Megan Corkrey, B
7. Kris Allen, B
8. Scott Macintyre, B
9. Matt Giraud, B-
10. Michael Sarver, B-
11. Jorge Nunez, C+
12. Anoop Desai, C
13. Jasmine Murray, C

You know it's a good week when even the lowest score is a C! Good job Top 13!

Now, on to who is going home tonight -- much complicated by the rule change (read POSSIBLE SPOILER - THE SCOOP ON THE AMERICAN IDOL RULE CHANGE). First let's identify who is totally safe, who is on shaky ground, and who is in the danger zone.

Green Zone - Totally Safe
Get used to seeing these three names in the Green Zone -- Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert and Lil Rounds. Lambert was on fire last night, showing off his vocal fireworks and his total control of the stage -- this guy is definitely in it for the long haul. Gokey also had a good night -- he sounded great, and he toned down the dramatics around his wife's recent death, in the process cementing his frontrunner status. And though Rounds had the dreaded first performance slot of the night, her assured singing and poise on the stage ensure her at least a few more weeks in the competition.

Yellow Zone - On Shaky Ground
While Anoop Desai had arguably the worst performance last night, turning in a total karaoke showing, his extremely large fanbase will make sure he's not in danger of elimination so early on. Scott Macintyre, meanwhile, showed us that he really is better when he's behind the piano, even if he isn't the most dynamic of the performers on the show. Alexis Grace, while oversinging a bit at times, proved her semifinal showing wasn't a fluke -- this girl has pipes and attitude, and could end up a force to be reckoned with. And then there's Matt Giraud, who I'm still not totally sold on. He definitely seems more comfortable pounding those keys, but how long until his breathy singing and wavering vibrato start getting annoying? I'm giving it two weeks.

Red Zone - Danger Danger Danger!
The five members of this group did not necessarily give the worst performances last night -- in fact, some of them were in my Top 5 for the night. As counterintuitive as it sounds, at this early stage in the finals it's almost more important than you stand out than that you sing well. Thus, I've got to put Allison Irahata in this category. She was fantastic last night, but I'm not quite sure she convinced viewers to head to their phones and power-dial. Ditto Megan Corkrey -- unlike the judges, I adored her rendition of "Rockin' Robin" and think her unique vocal stylings are essential for the competition, but I'm worried the majority of Americans might disagree with me.

Then there's cutie Kris Allen, who was totally charming strumming his guitar and crooning Jason Mraz-style -- but was he too lowkey to stand out? Michael Sarver was way better than I expected him to be, but he still strikes me much more as a "good singer" than a potential American Idol. As for Jorge Nunez, is there any doubt after last night's performance that he's corny and old fashioned? And Jasmine Murray, while totally adorable, continues to choose the wrong songs for her voice (and age), and could find herself in serious trouble tonight.

FINAL PREDICTION
Predictions need to happen in two waves this year -- guessing who America put into the Bottom 3, and then imagining who the judges will send home from that group.

I think the fangirls will save Kris, and Megan has enough fans to keep her out of real danger for at least one more week, meaning...

My guess for the Bottom 3:
Jasmine Murray
Jorge Nunez
Michael Sarver

Can the judges really give Jasmine another chance? And is it just me, or do they seem a little over Jorge? Thus...

Eliminated Contestants:
Jasmine Murray
Jorge Nunez

Agree? Disagree? Leave a comment below and let me know!

Possible Spoiler: The Scoop on the American Idol Rule Change

2009-03-11T00:10:00.007-02:00

If you watched American Idol to the bitter end tonight, you heard Ryan and Simon tease a game-changing rule adjustment that "involves the judges more," and that America may or may not be happy about.

(Read American Idol Top 13 Recap and Elimination Prediction: Bye Bye Jasmine?)

To me, a longtime watcher of Idol and countless other reality television shows, that could only mean one thing -- America will determine the Bottom 3 (or possibly 2), and the judges will ultimately choose which individual goes home. There's a possibility the contestants could have to sing again for the judges (the "sing-off" has already been deployed once this season, during the judge's mansion episode), but in my mind there is no doubt the judges will be stepping in in a major way.

I'm not coming up with this out of thin air -- there is definitely a precedent, as this is the way it is done on X-Factor, the show Simon Cowell judges in Britain (and that produced Leona Lewis), as well as the early rounds of the finals on So You Think You Can Dance. And I will add that I can't imagine this rule will be in effect much beyond the Top 7, if it even goes that far. But still, this is a major game-changer.

Is this a good thing or a bad thing? On the one hand, contestants sent packing way before their time (Jennifer Hudson, Carly Smithson) would have survived much longer in the competition, and contestants who long overstayed their welcome (Sanjaya Malakar, John Stevens, Haley Scarnato, countless others) would have had their Idol journeys significantly shortened. On the other hand, contestants who the judges didn't much care for at first but America believes in (Jason Castro, Trenyce) won't get a chance to shine.

There's undoubtedly an element of the show's democratic nature being taken away here, but could it actually benefit the show's entertainment value as a result?

I'm getting ahead of myself -- the "twist" has not even yet been officially announced. But it's my pseudo-Idol historian's hunch.

What do you think of this as a possibility? Fair? Unfair? Sound off below.

Random American Idol Musings: Adam, Kris, Matt, Lil, Anoop and Ricky (!!)

2009-03-10T19:03:00.004-02:00

Since I've been MIA since the start of Idol season, I thought I'd share some thoughts from the past couple of months:

Though I don't think she's offered anything particularly noteworthy thus far, I'm kinda digging Kara DioGuardi. In fact, I'd give Randy Jackson the boot and keep Kara!
Is it just me, or has Ryan Seacrest been looking kinda cute this season?
While I was diggin' on Matt Giraud during Hollywood week, I'm already over him. Note to Matt: smugness ain't pretty.
I miss Ricky Braddy already. That kid could sing!
Lil Rounds is gonna have to really blow it out to live up to that Fantasia/Mary J Blige connection. So far I'm just not seeing it.
I have a huge crush on Chris Richardson...I mean Kris Allen. He's dreamy!
I think Adam Lambert has a sick voice, and unlike some of the judges, I couldn't be happier to have a Broadway belter on the show.
I think Anoop is totally likable and charming, but I can't help remembering he comes from a college a capella group, and that makes me nervous. Just saying.
Michael Sarver does absolutely nothing for me. Ditto Jorge Nunez and Scott Macintyre.

Of course I'm leaving out about 10K other thoughts I've had, but this is all I can thing of right now. More, surely, to come.

Forecasting Idol: Which One (or Two) of the Top 13 Will Go Home First?

2009-03-10T12:20:00.006-02:00

Well, I've been quiet during the first two months of American Idol, but I can't keep my opinions to myself any longer! (Click here to read I'M BACK -- FOR REAL THIS TIME).

To kick off my return to the world of Idol commentary, I thought I'd take a look at the Top 13 and try to predict which one (or, based on the fact that there may be a double elimination tonight, two) contestants will receive the distinction of being the first (and possibly second) to get sent packin'. Keep in mind I am writing this without knowing the performance order, the contestants' song choices, and, of course, how well (or badly) they will perform.

Here goes!

TOTALLY SAFE

Danny Gokey
Sure, controversy has brewed around this recent widow, but I think he's heard the message loud and clear -- steer clear of the dead wife talk, and stick to the singing. There's no doubt this guy has a killer voice, and as long as he lets the viewers focus on that, there's no way he won't be around for awhile.

Adam Lambert
Those somewhat shocking photos of his man-on-man tongue kissing might have meant doomsday for a lesser performer, but Adam's ridiculously good voice should continue earning him enough fans to overcome the homophobic naysayers that claim America can't have a gay Idol. Adam seems totally comfortable with who he is, which should help put viewers at ease, and allow them to be entertained by this fantastic vocalist.

Allison Irahata
While one performance does not an Idol make, Allison's great take on Heart's "Alone" has earned her enough goodwill (and a bit of frontrunner status), that even a stumble during Michael Jackson week won't be too troubling for the pink haired teenager.

Anoop Desai
In some ways the Wildcard contenders come into the Top 13 with the biggest advantage -- America has heard them sing twice. Anoop, particularly, will reap the benefits of this, as his infectious performance of "My Perogerative" reminded voters what they love about him, and that love is not likley to disipate any time soon.

MOSTLY SAFE

Scott Macintyre>
I'm still not sold on the vocal stylings of Idol's first blind contestant, but there's no doubt the guy is likable. He's got a free pass to at least the Top 10.

Kris Allen
I know Kris isn't the best singer this show has ever seen, but he's so darn cute! You best believe I'm not the only one who thinks so, and in a crowded field of 13, expect his cutie patootie-ness (and not bad voice) to stand out.

Lil Rounds
Perhaps I'm jaded by the top-notch R&B divas this show has produced in the past (J-Hud, Fantasia, Latoya London -- heck, even Trenyce!), but Lil just hasn't blown me away yet. That may change, but I wouldn't call her a sure-thing just yet.

Matt Giraud
His performance last week was MILES better than his initial semifinal audition, but I just can't get his wobbly version of Coldplay's latest single out of my mind. I think he'll make it through this week, but he'll have to string together some solid performances to really make a dent in the competition.

IN TROUBLE

Alexis Grace
Her week one semifinal performance was undoubtedly strong, but that was a long time ago -- will America remember how much they like this pixie-ish wailer? She's going to need a couple more strong performances if she wants to be more than a week one flash-in-the-pan.

Jorge Nunez
His strong voice and endearing tears helped him beat out Ju'not Joyner for a spot in the Top 13, but his style is so old-fashioned, I just can't picture him every getting to the front of the pack. One bad performance and this guy could be gone.

Michael Sarver
Easily the least inspired performer in the Top 13, this guys is, in my eyes, the least likely to crack the Top 10. How far can being an oil rigger really propel him?

Megan Corkrey
I love this girl's unique voice and winning smile, but I'm not so sure the rest of America does. As one of only five women she's likely to stand out, but she's going to have to start amassing fans quickly if she wants to last awhile.

Jasmine Sullivan
This year's "huh?!?" finalist would seem to be the easy pick to go home first, and if Season 3 is any indication, when Leah Labelle creapt into the Top 12 only to be eliminated a week later, we may not be seeing Jasmine for very long. Consider Carmen Rasmussen in Season 2, who was also a "huh?!?" choice -- she ended up cracking the Top 6. Which way will Jasmine fall?

AND...
So, there it is. While Megan and Jorge are on thin ice, I think it will ultimately be Michael Sarver (if one goes), or Michael and Jasmine Sullivan (if two get sent home).

Agree? Disagree? Sound off in the comments section below!

I'm Back -- For Real This Time

2009-03-10T12:19:00.000-02:00

I took some time away. And now I'm back.

Here's the thing -- after two years of writing this blog, it was sometimes feeling a bit like an obligation. And, as I wrote at the beginning of this year, my professional and personal lives are quite busy right now, so the blog got pushed to the back burner.

HOWEVER...

Since this season of American Idol began, I have been desperately missing my outlet -- my chance to share my crazy thoughts about this crazy show. I've also been searching for intelligent commentary on the show, and found it VERY difficult to find. I love Michael Slezak over at Entertainment Weekly, and Joesplacebog.com has good spoilers, but where are all the fun lists? The fascinating analyses?

Now, I am definitely NOT trying to say that every word I type is sheer brilliance -- far from it. But I missed writing about the show (and other shows, like The Biggest Loser -- which I am LOVING -- Dancing with the Stars, Survivor, Amazing Race and more), and I missed the comments and dialogue with my readers.

I may not post as often as I once did, but from here on out I plan to share at least some of my thoughts with you all.

Major American Idol Spoilers: The Top 36 Semifinalists

2009-01-30T17:21:00.003-02:00

SPOILER ALERT!!

An alleged list of the Top 36 American Idol semifinalists has been leaked...take it with a grain of salt, but here it is!

Adam Lambert
Alexander Wagner-Trugman
Alexis Grace
Allison Iraheta
Ann Marie Boskovich
Anoop Desai
Arianna Ayesha Afsar
Brent Keith
Casey Carlson
Danny Gokey
Jackie Tohn
Jasmine Murray
Jeanine Vailes
Jessica Langseth
Joanna Pacitti
Jorge Nunez
Junot Joyner
Kai Kalama
Kendall Beard
Kristen McNamara
Kris Allen
Lil Rounds
Matt Breitzke
Matt Giraud
Megan Corkrey
Michael (unclear if it's Sarver, Tristan, Bartul or Castro)
Mishavonna Henson
Nate McGee (listed as Nathaniel Marshall on the AI site)
Nick Western
Ricky Braddy
Scott MacIntyre
Stephen Fowler
Stevie Wright
Taylor Vaifanua
Tatiana Del Toro
Von Smith

Thoughts??

Listen to a Clip of Kelly Clarkson's New Single "My Life Would Suck Without You"

2009-01-09T13:15:00.002-02:00

Finally -- a clip of Kelly Clarkson's new single "My Life Would Suck Without You" has leaked onto the web. And...it's amazing!! Welcome back Kelly!

Listen to the clip below and let me know what you think.

Welcome Back!

2009-01-09T11:00:00.001-02:00

So...I've been a bad, bad blogger.

Here's the thing -- I've got a job. And a beautiful boyfriend. And a life. I had reached a point somewhere in the middle of last year where blogging ceased to be fun, and was feeling more and more like an obligation.

So I took a break.

And now I'm back, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated! You'll notice that things here at Idol Thoughts will be a little different from here on out -- I'll still be bringing you news and gossip from the worlds of television, film, music, theater and pop culture, but I'll be simplifying the format a little bit, so you don't have to go searching for what you're looking for. Updates may not be as bountiful as they once were, but hopefully they'll be a bit more substantive. And while I'll still put up a picture of a cute, shirtless boy when I see him, don't expect that to be the thrust of the site. I mean, I like looking at cute, shirtless boys as much as the next guy or gal, but the satisfaction it brings to post is not quite what it once was. Sue me.

I hope you'll bookmark Idol Thoughts (if you haven't already), and continue to check back. There's lot of exciting things on the horizon -- the Academy Awards, Idol season, the returns of Survivor, Amazing Race, Top Model, Biggest Loser and much much more.

Happy 2009!

Sarah Palin Gets Prank Called!

2008-11-02T03:46:00.004-02:00

This is hysterical! Here is a recording of Sarah Palin being prank called by a couple of jokesters, who pretended to be the French president. You MUST listen!

VIDEO: The Real John McCain With Tina Fey as Sarah Palin on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE

2008-11-02T03:36:00.003-02:00

As always, Tina Fey was genius tonight on Saturday Night Live as Sarah Palin, but why John McCain agreed to do this sketch is beyond me. Enjoy.

Click here to listen to Sarah Palin being prank called!

STEP IT UP AND DANCE Winner Cody Green Will Star in Broadway's WEST SIDE STORY Revival

2008-10-29T13:01:00.004-02:00

The reality television/Broadway connection continues, as it was announced today that Step It Up and Dance winner Cody Green will play Riff in the new Broadway revival of West Side Story.

Green will be joined by A Catered Affair's Matt Cavenaugh as Tony, Josefina Scaglione as Maria, In the Heights' Karen Olivo as Anita and George Akram as Bernardo. Xanadu's Curtis Holbrook will be featured in the ensemble.

Arthur Laurents will direct the revival, which is scheduled to open March, 19, 2009. (The musical will play an out-of-town engagement at the National Theatre in Washington, DC — Dec. 15, 2008-Jan. 17, 2009.)

Go Cody!

GILMORE GIRLS Star Lauren Graham Will Star in Broadway Revival of GUYS AND DOLLS

2008-10-28T19:57:00.003-02:00

Well color me ecstatic!!

Sources tell me that one of my very favorite actresses, Gilmore Girls star Lauren Graham, will play Adelaide opposite Oliver Platt's Nathan Detroit in the fortcoming Broadway revival of Guys and Dolls. Though I can't vouch for their sources, USA Today is also reporting this news.

Holla!

Graham, of course, was egregiously overlooked by the television academy for her brilliant work on Gilmore Girls. She has also starred in the films Because I Said So, Flash of Genius and Evan Almighty, among others.

She'll be brilliant as the forever-unmarried Adelaide!

My sources tell me that casting for Sky and Sarah is still being finalized.

Julianne Hough Will Need Surgery to Remove Appendix; Edyta Sliwinska Will Partner Cody Linley in Her Absence

2008-10-27T23:17:00.003-02:00

Golden child Julianne Hough revealed on tonight's Dancing with the Stars that she has been diagnosed with endometriosis, and she will have surgery to remove her appendix tomorrow.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! Julianne!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's not clear that Julianne intended to reveal this information on tonight's show, and she might not have had the wench known as Samantha Harris hadn't "outed" her. Julianne also revealed that should Cody Linley make it to next week, Edyta Sliwinska will be his partner. Julianne seemed to suggest that she might be back by the following week, but that seem's slightly unrealistic after a major surgery like and appendectomy.

Get better soon, Julianne! We'll miss you!

Zac Efron Heads to Hawaii -- And Promptly Goes Shirtless!

2008-10-27T16:51:00.003-02:00

Zac Efron + Vanessa Hudgens + Hawaii = Shirtless photos!!

The High School Musical stars headed back to Hawaii, their favorite vacation spot, and Zac promptly removed his shirt, revealing a pair of Calvin Klein underwear and an impressive treasure trail.

You won't hear me complaining!!

Did you see HSM 3? What did you think?

Click here for more CUTE BOYS OF POP CULTURE

Barack Obama Comments on the Deaths of Jennifer Hudson's Mother and Brother

2008-10-26T20:45:00.003-02:00

Even presidential hopeful Barack Obama has been moved by the tragedy that has befallen Jennifer Hudson, as her mother and brother were shot to death earlier this weekend, and her nephew is still missing. Hudson and Obama met earlier this year, when Obama specifically requested she sing the National Anthem at the Democratic National Convention. Obama, like Hudson, lives in Chicago, and had the following to say:

"Michelle and I were absolutely heartbroken to learn about this unimaginable tragedy and we want Jennifer to know that she is in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. We also pray for the swift and safe return of her young nephew."

Fellow American Idol finalists have also responded to the events of the past few days. Fellow Season 3 finalists Diana Degarmo and Camile Velasco have spoken out with support of Hudson.

More to come...

Jennifer Hudson's Mother and Brother Found Dead

2008-10-24T21:41:00.005-02:00

This is absolutely tragic -- Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson's mother, 57-year-old Darnell Donnerson, and older brother Jason were found dead today in Chicago. The two had been shot. Various reports say that Hudson's nephew is still missing. Jennifer is currently on a plane home to Chicago to be with her family.

Please keep Jennifer in your thoughts.

Updates to come...

Watch Video of Tina Fey and Will Ferrell as Sarah Palin and George W. Bush on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE

2008-10-24T02:07:00.003-02:00

Tina Fey and Will Ferrell as Sarah Palin and George Bush? It doesn't get much better than that.

The two stars returned to the Thursday edition of Saturday Night Live, and the results are pure genius. Watch the video below -- and prepare to laugh.

Ron Rifkin and John Glover to Reunite as Boyfriends on BROTHERS AND SISTERS

2008-10-22T15:59:00.007-02:00

EW's Michael Ausiello announced another big Brothers and Sisters casting scoop -- Smallville's Lex Luther, John Glover, will play Saul's new boyfriend.

This marks a reunion of sorts for Ron Rifkin, the actor who plays Saul, and Glover -- the two played former lovers in Jon Robin Baitz' play Paris Letter. Baitz, of course, is a creator of Brothers and Sisters.

Glover has appeared on the Great White Way in The Drowsy Chaperone, Love! Valour! Compassion (for which he received a Tony Award) and much more.

Saul and Glover's character, Andrew, meet at the symphony. Where the romance will lead is anyone's guess. Andrew will be around for at least three episodes.

READ: Luke Grimes Will Play Ryan, the Long Lost Walker Sibling, on BROTHERS AND SISTERS

Julianne Hough Rushed to the Hospital Following DANCING WITH THE STARS

2008-10-22T03:16:00.005-02:00

TMZ is reporting that Julianne Hough was rushed to the hospital following tonight's Dancing with the Stars results show. She is said to have been suffering from severe stomach pains. Apparently she was complaining of discomfort all day, but after her encore performance with Cody Linley it became "unbearable."

Julianne is only the latest Dancing competitor to make a trip to the hospital. Misty May Treanor had to drop out of the competition after tearing her ACL, Derek Hough passed out after falling in rehearsal, and Jeffrey Ross scratched his cornea during the first week of competition. Susan Lucci and Toni Braxton have also experienced injuries.

Let's hope Julianne (who I absolutely adore) does not have appendicities, which would likely sideline her from the competition.

More to come...

READ: Are the DANCING WITH THE STARS Producers Losing Their Way?

READ: Lance Bass' DANCING WITH THE STARS Problem: Lacey Schwimmer Is Sabotaging His Chances!

BOLD PREDICTION: Warren Sapp and Kim Johnson Will Win DANCING WITH THE STARS

PHOTO: Dancing with the Candidates: Barack Obama and Sarah Palin Cha Cha Cha