American Idol-Top 11...Again

Because the judges used their save last week and we all witnessed the Oscar winning "Most Dramatic Performance by an Idol Contestant that Won't Win Anyway" by Casey, there were 11 people performing again. Since two go home tomorrow, I assume Idol bent the rules and will allow 11 on the tour instead of 10. Or if the bus is now smaller due to the shrinking economy and ridiculous gas prices, maybe only nine are going. In other housekeeping news, years ago on my Idol blog I outed myself for my "no longer a secret" Seacrest crush. This year I must say I have a crush on J-Lo. I have been discussing J.Lo with many of my friends and we all think she is looking much better than we've seen in a long time. I love that tonight her nail polish matched a dress I could never pull off. I am in love with her make up artist because her lipstick/gloss always looks amazing (obviously not done by the same artist who did Haley's make up a few weeks back). I also must say hair extensions are pretty amazing. Anyway, I'm slightly girl crushing on J. Lo. I even like her new song. But, "don't be fooled by the rocks" that she got... Anyway...Elton John night. So much to say. So much to say. Let's get to it.

1. Scotty-I cannot believe my sister-in-law really fast forwards the DVR through him. Chris-you must stop this madness! (And Chris I also can win some money in your NCAA pool if UConn gets in so make sure you are aware of my new address). The guy is very good. While taking notes on his performance I happened to stop looking at the TV and seriously the guys sounds 40 not 16. He sang "Country Comfort" and shouted out to his grandma. The sap in me immediately started tearing up. Tearing because it was so adorable and tearing because my mother, I promise, will never go to Hollywood to hear Preston sing on the Idol stage. I've said this before. Pres is awesome. Pres likes to sing. Pres sings much like I do. Deduction----Pres sucks at singing. Sorry mom. Here's hoping for a grandma shout out during law school graduation.


2. Naima-a "reggae swag" (her line, so not mine) version of "I'm Still Standing." I'm pretty confident she may not be standing after tomorrow night. Her idea to morph into Lauryn Hill and perform this song was not the best decision. Nor was her choice of outfit. That was such a "cruise" ship performance if I ever heard one. Terrible. I understand why Bobbi and Brooke were all over this and posting to my Wall before I started watching.


3. Paul- "Rocket Man" Paul pulled out his rose jacket again tonight. I suppose when one who was touring in a van that looks like it would only be driven by private investigators or pedophiles, goes and spends $4500 on a white suit with embroidered roses, you have to rock it more than once. Thankfully for Paul he's not that important or US Weekly would be all over this fashion faux pas ASAP. I always wondered how celebs do it. I mean I love my black 3/4 length cardigan. I may wear it multiple times a month. Thankfully I, much like my buddy Paul, am not famous, so I guess I can rock on with my repeated cardigan. The judges loved Paul. I personally thought tonight Paul sounded like James Blunt. If James Blunt was undergoing a hammertoe operation with just not enough anesthesia.


4. Pia- I'd love to see Pia duet with Lea Michel from Glee. I think Lea is much better, but Pia certainly can give a good run. She was told to try something other than a ballad, so she tried another ballad. She did say next week she'd rock it so I'm looking forward to seeing what that means. I'd also love to know what Jimmy meant when he said she needs to sing somewhere between Fergie and Axl Rose. Truly I have absolutely no idea what that means. And I love Fergie. And if you knew me when I was younger, you know I was a huge GN'R fan and I'm still confused.


5. Stefano-"Tiny Dancer" I know in an old Idol blog I mentioned the funniest episode of King of Queens was when Doug thought the lyrics were "Hold me close I'm Tony Danza." Ever since then I can never listen to this song without singing it that way. I also think it's kind of uncanny how much his dad really looks like Howie Mandell....and they both are kind of nerve grating in that lovable way..no?


6. Lauren-"Candle in the Wind" I like Lauren. I was such a huge fan of her in Hollywood, but I totally think she is terrible singing in front of any audience. She was faster than the piano and many of her notes fell flat. I am sure when the judges watch it back, not live, they will agree. I want her to be better because she has a great voice.


7. James-James was totally into the hair and make up glam session to help him look more like Adam Lambert. Then he performed and pulled out every trick in one performance to try to out do Adam. We had microphone stand tossing (grunge era), Stomping clapping with the audience (a' la Bruce Springsteen-yet James does not have the backside Bruce does), we had a semi crotch grab (a' la MJ) and we had some pyrotechnics setting the piano on fire. I mean at this point to rile James up they should have brought back Hulk Hogan from last week...maybe throw in Mr. T for good measure. He even walked down Ryan's "Beauty School Drop Out" staircase. (another old line pulled out of storage).


8. Thia-Props to my friend Carol who found Thia's necklace from last week. The necklace retails for $675. I was considering it. Mel told me she wouldn't be my friend if I spent $675 on a necklace that is such a conversation piece I'd probably wear it twice, three times tops. I still want it. Really bad. Something else that was really bad was Thia's performance of "Daniel." I fast forwarded through most of it. I did laugh at the lines prior to her performance, "Forget everything from when you were a little girl" and "When I was younger..." Um...you're 8 years old.


9. Casey -"Your Song" This is my favorite Elton song. I even love this song more because it was in one of my favorite movies, Moulin Rouge. I'm really over Casey. It was fun at first. I dug the bass. I dug the Seth Rogen-ness. Then he trimmed the beard. Dude-if you're on a win streak you don't trim the beard. I also can't get over the nauseating display of enthusiasm after being saved last week. Over...it.


10. Jacob- "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word." I have no words better than my dear friend Karen's Facebook status of the night after Jacob's performance, "It's amazing what tonight's episode has done to me. Listening to Jacob's beautiful voice makes me want to go to church and looking at Steven Tyler makes me want to...well...let us pray." I can't top that. I have nothing.


11. Haley- In an old Randy-ism he had not said this season, "You blew it out the box!" Haley was fantastic tonight. She was so into her performance she was able to sit on the piano James had just lit on fire a few minutes back. The only criticism I have for Haley is perhaps next week rethink wearing your "People of WalMart" flowered spandex to rehearsal. Just saying. My picks to go home: Naima and Casey.