Idol Chatter - And then there Were 7

Tonight we say goodbye to another of our beloved Idols, but before doing so, I have to tell you, I am still miffed about Fox wasting so much time during last night's show that those of us who recorded the show and then watched it sans commercials missed Adam Lambert's performance. From what I understand, it was something to behold--even Simon gave him a standing ovation! Hopefully Fox's timing issues don't affect Adam's vote totals--remember Ryan gives out the phone numbers after the Idols perform...if by some reason Adam finds himself in the bottom three and is forced to sing for his Idol life, I'm guessing the judges are going to use their Judge's Save. Hopefully it doesn't come to that.

But that was last night, let's move on to tonight and the elimination show. Set to perform tonight, not for your votes of course, is Season 5's Kellie Pickler. Anyone remember the last time Kellie graced the Idol stage as a former contestant? Well if you do, you remember that Ryan made some very awkward comments about how Kellie spent her money--she said on shoes, Ryan "suggested" something a little higher on the anatomy. Oh Ryan, you should save your silly innuendo-filled comments for Simon--they go over so much better.

OK, so the show begins and Ryan introduces the judges as normal then he and Paula have more fun at Simon's expense--they show a photo shopped picture of Simon babysitting Paula and then introduce a song from Simon's birth year (1959)...none other than Frankie Avalon singing "Venus" from what looks like a clip from American Bandstand. Then they switched back to today and Frankie emerged from the back of the stage and finished the song in front of the judges. It was pure magic...not really, but at least it delayed the group lip-sync...but not for long as Ryan introduced the remaining Idols who looked almost as uncomfortable performing as a group as I was watching it.

Ready for some more time wasting? Fox "treated" us to a behind-the-scenes look at how the Idols make their clever little Ford videos--OMG! These things are awful. Can't they just cut the show to about 10-15 minutes and let us know whose dream is over?!

Over 18 minutes into the show and the elimination process FINALLY begins! Ryan started by asking Adam, Kris, and Anoop to stand up. Before telling them of their fate, Ryan gave Randy, Kara, and Paula a chance to comment on Adam's performance last night since they didn't get a chance to do so because Simon "spoke" for all of them with his standing O. They agreed that Adam was "da bomb!" and then Ryan told Adam to sit down--he is safe! Anoop wasn't quite so fortunate...the Dogg was sent to the bottom 3 stools and Kris (one of my picks for B3 land this week) joined Adam in the safety zone.

The rest of the Idols are going to have to wait a bit longer to learn how they stacked up in the vote count because it was time to welcome Flo Rider to the stage. If you don't know who Flo Rider is, don't feel bad--neither do I, but apparently he is a hip and happening rapper/singer who, in Ryan's words, is "no stranger to the top of the charts". Must be good, but not my cup of tea--I must be getting old! I did know the song, however, which was a remake/remix of "Spin Me Right Round" by Dead of Alive.

Sixteen more minutes and it's time to find out who else is in the B3. Ryan spoke with Danny, recapped his performance and the judges comments, and then told him to sit back down! Matt stood up next and Ryan ran through the usual BS and tried to fool him into thinking he was in the B3, but Ryan messed up the gag before finally spitting out that Matt was safe. Scott was next and he went through the same shtick and then Ryan sent him over to Anoop and the dreaded stools.

With two of the three spots filled, Ryan turned to the remaining Idols, Allison and Lil. He told Allison she was still in the competition and Lil was in jeopardy of going home. As Lil made her way to the stools, Ryan asked Simon if he would consider saving any of the three Idols. Simon said yes, but left open the question as to which one (or two) out of Anoop, Scott, and Lil.

When we returned from commercial, Ryan introduced Kellie Pickler who charmed the crowd and playfully flirted with Simon and Randy at the judges table while singing "The Best Days of Your Life"--a song she co-wrote with her BFF, Taylor Swift. I didn't think Kellie sounded all that good, but she is fun, has a wonderful personality, and is adorable as ever. After she finished, Ryan chatted with her for a minute or so and then booted her from the stage and brought over the B3.
Ryan started by sending Lil back to the couches leaving Anoop and Scott to sweat it out over the commercial break.

At minute 52 or so of the telecast, Ryan told Anoop and Scott that only 30,000 votes separated them and then he lowered the boom on...Scott! He then handed Scott the microphone and told him to sing for his Idol life. Scott didn't have a chance to grab his guitar which probably will help him especially as far as Simon is concerned. While Scott sang, the Idol judges huddled to discuss whether they were going to use their Judge's Save--Ryan informed us that if they don't use it tonight, they only have three more weeks in which to do so.

With my interest peaked, Scott finished his song (much better tonight!) and Ryan turned to the judges--and, more specifically, to Simon who told Scott that the judges were split: two of them think he should stay, the other two believe he should go home. While the judges deliberated a little more, Scott pleaded with the them to give him another shot...but it wasn't going to happen as Simon made the final decision and told Scott it was the end of the road.

So we are down to seven Idols vying for the coveted crown of American Idol. Tune in next week when the Magnificent 7 sing their hearts out in hopes that you call and text enough to keep them around another week.

Until then, I will continue watching TV so you don't have to...

Peace!