The Guy Next Door vs. The GuyLiner

"I am a superstar in the making. I am the next American Idol."
--Adam Lambert, ostensibly said on the day of his first audition

Here we go, judges: Kara looks nauseous. Randy is wearing a purple tie and a purple shirt. Paula is wearing a dress made from the hide of Slimer. And Simon Cowell... eh, I don't have any comment about his appearance because he always looks the same. I wonder what he'd look like wearing a print? Say, a tartan plaid flannel shirt?

Kris won the coin toss (brought to you by a Coca-Cola coin) and he'll be going second. You know what that means... get ready for the glam man! But first a commercial, which is lucky for me, 'cuz my cookies are done. (Tonight, in honor of this momentous event, I'm simul-blogging, so no, you will NOT be spared the details.) Now on to the contestants' personal song picks:

Adam picks his biggest hit of the season so far, "Mad World." He looks awesome in silhouette, wearing a long trench coat and futuristic boots. (Dude, how come no sing Bowie? If they ever remake Todd Haynes' Velvet Underground ((heh, yeah like that'll happen)), Adam should play the rock idol.) How does he do that with his eyes? Randy gives him an A+. Kara is also a fan of the rehashed song choice because she considered that first pivotal performance a game changer. Paula claims it's "unbelievable" that he's standing on that stage right now... just what is unbelievable about it? He's been the forerunner for weeks, lady!

Awww, when he was a kid, Kris gave his mom handmade coupons for "music." I used to do that, too. My mom never redeemed them. For his personal pick, Kris has chosen "Ain't No Sunshine," which he performs at the piano. And it's a hot one. Cowell admits he wasn't sure whether America was right to pick Kris over Gokey, but says after hearing that performance, he's changed his mind. (No reaction shot of Gokey here, unfortunately.)

Simon Fuller's picks:

Adam does Sam Cooke's "Change is Gonna Come" and I can't think of a stranger song choice for him. Unless perhaps Fuller's trying to get Adam to demonstrate the far-reachedness of his range? But Adam's "theatrical" facial expressions don't do this song any favors, frankly. Still, the vocals are solid and his more sincere emotions come through by the end. Kara and Paula go a bit cuckoo with their praise, while all Simon says is, "You're 100% back in the game." As if he ever left-?

Katie Holmes and Suri in da house. Mama Holmes is covering Suri's ears. Well, it is a concert, lady. You don't have to bring your Baby Alive everywhere.

Kris plays guitar for Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin On." This song has never sounded so relevant as it does tonight. Whenever I hear Marvin's version, I think, "Ugh, this is so late 70s." But hearing Kris do it, I can actually appreciate the timeless qualities of the melody and lyrics, and not the datedness. Well done, lad. Randy thinks it's a little too light for the venue, but Kara disagrees and says Kris could enact social change with his music. Simon has a Jason Castro flashback and says it was all a bit "dorm room."

Cookies all gone. Me sad.

Top 12 reunion shot! Anoop's growing a depression beard and Scott apparently has no idea they're onscreen because he looks dour. And a bit haggard. Guess that one haircut was all he got.

Kara co-wrote this year's Idol song, "No Boundaries" (or some inspirational shite like that.) They're both going to sing the same song, apparently. That's pretty cruel. Is Adam wearing shorts? I thought I saw leg. No, they're skin tight bleach-treated jeans. OK, good. This seems like a really tough song to sing. Kara looks nauseous again. (She knows Simon's gonna shit on the lyrics.) Simon praises Adam and says he deserves the title. Hmmm. If he wins, does his first single have to be this mountains/hurricane song?

I can hear my cat puking in the other room. I'm serious.

Here we go again. "No Boundaries" as sung by Kris Allen. Snore. You'd think this type of song would be better suited for Kris's mainstream poppy style, but actually, I think I liked Adam's version a little better. Is Kris trying to grow a mustache? The judges seem to agree the key was too high for him, but ask people to vote based on the season and not on this final (lackluster) performance.

Who knows what will happen at tomorrow's results show, and I have to wonder: do these guys even care? Because let's be real: they are both guaranteed success in the music industry, with or without the title of American Idol. The judges love them both; the fans love them both; they are both different kinds of artists: separate but relatively equal. I think they're just relieved the competition is over and they can get to makin' records, makin' money and makin' love.

P.S. Carrie Underwood's jeans/boots combo is really cute.

Blame Canada

With all the flagship reality competitions wrapping up this week (Survivor; Dancing with the Stars; Idol), I thought I'd better hop on some new TV bandwagons, lest I find myself halfway into summer with no shows to watch, let alone blog about. So I hunkered down with some TJ chocolate-covered pretzel slims and a notepad to watch the premiere of the latest incarnation of The Bachelorette, starring ex-Bachelor Jason Mesnick's jilted second-runner-up, Jillian Harris.

Uh-oh. I think I am outgrowing this slimy series.

What do we know about 29-year-old Jillian, other than that she's Canadian (which means we're going to have to listen to her say "aboot" and "baahthroom" all season long)? Well, in a nifty video montage, we learn that she has a vast bikini collection. She buys hot dogs from street vendors and hungrily devours them. She washes her car in short-shorts and high heels. No wonder America (as host Chris Harrison is intent on repeating) has fallen in love with her! She's Alberta's answer to Daisy Duke! And apparently, she's got a thing for country boys...

In Jillian's noble quest for her Prince Charming/Mr. Right/Mr. Invisible/Soul Mate (she uses all of these cliches interchangably throughout the broadcast), one thing about this mystery dude has already been decided: he's a white guy. Yes, all 30 bachelors are white; not even a token minority in sight. (If you try to convince me that the unaccented, Argentinian-born Juan, at right, is an exception, you'll lose.) Apparently Jillian likes to refer to herself as "a polished hick," so let's not feign surprise at her narrow color spectrum.


Among Jillian's fair-skinned suitors:

• Nutty Tanner P., an unabashed foot fetishist who convinces Jillian to dip her feet in the pool so he can surreptitiously look for corns/toe jam/crooked toes. (He doesn't find any. Damn.)
• Michael, a good-humored break-dancing instructor who is roped into "battling" with a pint-sized wannabe model named Bilbo. (Bilbro? Whatever.)
  
• Kyle, a baby-faced Brooklynite and vintage clothing enthusiast, who makes the mistake of prattling on about his affection for big city life (and is sent home. Nobody likes pretentious 25-year-old boys.)
  
• David, who resembles a skinny, white version of The Rock. Upon stepping out of the limo to introduce himself to Jillian, he completely blanks on what he wanted to say. 20 seconds of silence. Probably the most sincere entrance of the night.

After mingling with the dudes for a while, Jillian remarks that each guy she talks to is better looking than the last. No they're not. That's the wine talking. Finally, Chris Harrison comes in carrying a silver tray. On the tray is a biscuit. On that biscuit, every bachelor must ejaculate. The last one to shoot his wad has to eat the biscuit. {Sigh} If only! It's just the freaking first impression rose, and Jillian gives it to the mute, David.

I don't know what else to say about this stupid, implausible show, which-- with the recent Jason/Molly/Melissa and DeAnna Pappas debacles, is now completely devoid of any semblance of credibility. I can't watch. I won't watch. I don't give a single, solitary shit about it. Not even a turd pellet. Not even a ghost poopy.

I will look elsewhere for my next blogged-about-show to-be.

Get Ready for a BIG Ding-Dong!

(That's what he said.)

OMG, OMG, OMG! The final two Idolists have been revealed, and they are ADAM LAMBERT and KRIS ALLEN! America is on a roll: first we elect Obama, and now the two dudes who actually deserve a shot at the Idol title are going to get it! I admit to not watching the results show (opting instead to watch the Lost season finale, exorbitant # of commercials and all), but here's what I thought of Tuesday night's performances:

Danny Gokey #1: Paula chose the Terence Trent D'arby song "Dance Little Sister." (How ironic that Danny himself can't dance.) Paula said she picked Terence because he became iconic overnight (yeah, because he posed naked on his album cover! Don't go there, Gokey.) For a second I thought Randy was playing sax, but then, upon further inspection, I saw it was just Al Roker. Just kidding, it was some other fat guy. Anyway, the D'arby sentiment was a good one, I think, but the song choice was, nevertheless, wrong. Marc said he always used to skip this track when he would listen to the album. To which I replied, "You actually owned a Terence Trent D'arby album!?" (Also: how do you skip tracks on a cassette tape?)

Kris Allen #1: BFFs Randy and Kara picked One Republic's "Apologize." Monkey-boy sang the whole number sitting at the piano, which I was a tad disappointed by. I would have liked him to start out predictably and then turn the song on its head. It was sound-alike all the way through, albeit a very pleasant sounding sound-alike.

Adam Lambert #1: Cowell chose one of his (and my) favorite songs, U2's "One." I like the soft side of Adam, which was on full display for this song. He looks kind of like a Vulcan. I love his quiet confidence. After this performance, it appeared as if Paula finally realized that Gokey is NOT going to win.

Gokey #2: This dude is so long-winded! He loves to hear himself talk. He picked the pukiest of all puketies-- Joe Cocker's "You Are So Beautiful," a.k.a. the song that Little Rascal Alfalfa sings to his girlfriend. This is the Gokey I loathe: shmaltzy and tight-pantsed and wedding singeresque. His performance improved about halfway through when he busted out the strong vocals, but for me, it was too little too late. That's just my O-pinion, Danny.

Kris #2: Monkey did a solid by choosing Kanye West's "Heartless" for himself. I actually don't know this song so couldn't compare it to anything, but it made me think Kris could be a very sucessful Jason Mraz-y type.

Adam #2: Aerosmith's "Cryin" -- a great music video, BTW. Remember when Alicia Silverstone was THE hot chick? Adam is a natural born rock star. (Did you see him on the cover of EW this week?) Every time he screams, I expect his tongue to be forked.

Rocknrolla

What is under your sunglasses, Slash? Will the public ever know?

Yeah, so, it's Rock Week. The four remaining contestants walk onstage clad in tight black leather, punky hairdos, etc. Except for Gokey, that is, who looks especially boring tonight in a red button-down shirt. Celebrity mentor Slash isn't known for his voice, and he doesn't use it much tonight either. He kind of just... plays guitar and looks cool. That's all well and good for Adam gLambert, who doesn't seem to need advice from anybody...

Adam sings Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love." Who else could pull off Zeppelin, I ask you?! Nobody! Adam sounds as good as (if not better than) Robert Plant himself. He has got some serious rock chops and a whole lotta 'tude. As I correctly surmised during the performance, Ryan tells us this is the first time anyone on Idol has attempted a Zeppelin tune. And probably the last, because that was a really tough act to follow. Poor Allison...

Allison wisely chooses a Janis Joplin number, but unfortunately, it's the unmelodic "Cry, Baby." For me, she slightly underwhelms; it just seems to lack ferocity. The judges don't dig the song choice, which prompts her to get feisty and talk back to them for the first time ever. It kind of looks like she's acting irritated so that she won't cry. Aw.

Okay, now it's time for the first of two duets. Kris and Danny collabortate on "Renegade" by Styx. They look scared and unsure. Kris is doing pretty rockin' maneuvers with the mic stand, but Danny just stands there like a 'tard gesturing with his damn hands again. These guys are totally ignoring each other onstage and the result is lame and boring. Predictably, Simon seizes the opportunity to turn it into a competition and calls Danny out as being better than Kris. What?! Kris is visibly miffed and it makes me think that maybe these two guys don't get along.... Kris Allen's stock just went up a few points in my book.

After the break, Kris attempts to redeem himself with The Beatles' "Come Together." I think it's a bad move to do a Beatles song after TWO WEEKS of Beatles last season, but I think his version is pleasant enough. He's certainly cute enough to be a Beatle; his crooked mouth is really growing on me. But the critiques from the judges are DIRE, and one gets the impression that it's been their plan all along to shank him right before the semifinals. All for the love of...

...Danny Hokey. Afer Kris sang but before they cut to commercial, the camera tried to locate Danny, surrounded by fans in the mosh pit. I could not even see the guy; he blended in with all the nobodies. He's like a fat Where's Waldo. Except instead of stripes, he's wearing chunky, hideous costume jewelry. Ew. Anyway, he sings "Dream On," and it's baaaaaad. The last note (or scream, if you will) is perhaps the worst note uttered by anyone on the Idol stage this year. But does that stop him from donning his usual smug, self-satisfied stare? Uh, no. Here's a question for you: how do the contestants (Danny in particular) avoid pit stains?

Expectations are low for our second duet: Adam and Allison singing "Slow Ride." (I was hoping they'd do "Under Pressure." Lambert needs to get his Bowie on STAT.) Unlike Tweedle Twee and Dweedle Dufus, these two know how to share the stage. They engage with each other. It's brilliant. Love Adam in those tight striped pants, but he needs to get a cod piece if he wants to be a rocker. Especially if he's going to tackle Bowie between now and winning the Idol crown.

The Future's So Bright...

Last night's theme was the Rat Pack, so naturally the celebrity mentor was standards crooner... Jamie Foxx?? I admit to being skeptical at first, especially since the only song I know Jamie for is that one about the gold digger. (He's so 2005.) I guess his Oscar-winning turn portraying Ray Charles gives him some cred among old-timers. I guess. But as it turns out, by keeping it real and not worrying about his own image, Jamie was the best mentor of the season so far.

Kris Allen gave an admittedly safe but awfully charming rendition of "The Way You Look Tonight." Too bad (for his future publicity crew) that he's married.

Allison Iraheta busted a gut with "Someone to Watch Over Me." I am so impressed by this girl's voice and stage presence, especially in light of the wet noodle she appears to be when not singing. I don't fault her for her lack of personality. She's seventeen! Think of the alternative! She could be one of those Miley Cyrus/Jonas Brothers douchey types.

Matt Gir-ODD (yes, he's still here) sang "My Funny Valentine," one of my favorite old standards. Sorry to say, I like Matt Damon's version better. (See: Talented Mr. Ripley)

Danny Hokey started out AWFULLY boring with "Come Rain or Come Shine," and I thought he was destined to a career as a wedding singer. (Also thought, for a sec, that he'd shaved that awful chin fuzz, but it was just the mic blocking my view of the scraggly mop.) Lucky for him (unlucky for us) he really picked it up at the end, and the last 20 seconds or so of his performance was the best I've seen from him all season. So I think that means he'll be around another week or two... darn.

Adam Lambert is sssssmokin' and is seemingly incapable of a shitty performance. He sang "Feeling Good," which has been done on Idol many times before, but never like this. Randy called him theatrical, which is defnitely true, but coming from Adam (as opposed to, say, last season's Sayesha), it doesn't bother me a bit.

Farewell, Golden Child

It's happened. Anoop's storied run on Idol is over. I was really hoping he'd skate passed dull-dull-dull Matt Giraud to make it into the Top Five, if not farther, but let's face it: his song choice was not a popular one. Perhaps the blame belongs to disco. Why do the producers bother with this lame duck genre of music season after season?

I was so bored by the disco theme that I couldn't even be bothered to post about Tuesday's performances until now. I could barely bring myself to scratch out the following on a notepad as I watched:

Lil Rounds: Her hair is even longer this week. Another predictably awful song choice (Chaka Khan - "I'm Every Woman.") This is certainly her last week. Her booty looks fly but she's got some double boob going on. She looks melted and poured into that body suit.

Kris Allen: Sounds like a Carol King-inspired version of a Donna Summer song. He's improved so much since week 1, but he looks super dorky in those shiny gray pants. Simon uses his critiquing time to shit all over Lil for the second time tonight.

Allison Iraheta: If I was a singer, I'd want to sound like her. Not loving the pleather.

Danny Gokey: Smug, dorky, smug, dorky. GAG ME WITH A SPOON, I hate this song ("September" by Earth, Wind & Fire -- carmen-non-grata even at karaoke boxes.) He should be a back-up singer: great voice, zero charisma. Paula is a crackhead if she seriously thinks he'll be in the finale.

I stopped taking notes after that. Tune in next week to see who will be one step closer to becoming the next... White American Idol!

P.S. As Paula's choreographed disco number proved, Anoop and Adam are the best movers!

The Magnificent? Seven

Tonight, under the tutelage of self-proclaimed auteur Quentin Tarantino, the contestants ravish us with "Sounds of the Cinema." Perhaps as a nod to his new WWII movie, Quentin's coiffed himself in the style of Hitler, sans 'stache. And Paula's wearing a diamond-studded scoliosis brace.

The blabbermouth judges jacked it up for us last week, and out of respect for the 9 o'clock time slot, only 2 of them can comment on each performance tonight.

Allison Iruheta: Her Aerosmith's "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing" sounds kind of flat and toneless. Meh. Too bad, 'cause she could totally rock this Joan Jett-style. As Simon says, though: it was a pretty good version... for a girl.

Anoop Desai tackles "Everything I Do...," the timeless love theme from that cinematic classic, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Anoop takes Quentin's advice to "rough up" the vocals, and the result is Anoop's best vocal to date. He could totally have contributed to the Karate Kid Part II soundtrack! The audience is either booing or saying "Noop! Noop!" Randy and Paula are fans; Simon looks like a petulant child when he doesn't get to comment.

Adam Lambert: In the video clip, QT is creaming himself over this guy. Adam's rendition of "Born to be Wild" is up-tempo, screechy, and frenetic. Sorry to say, I am not digging on Adam this week, although his Axel Rose impression keeps getting better, and his raw talent is undeniable. He can do no wrong in the eyes and ears of the audience (and Paula).

Moley moley moley. Matt Giraud tries to gussy up my personal favorite among Bryan Adams's vast oeuvre, the one about what you have to do to really, really love a woman (wink, wink.) I'll admit that this guy has potential and good taste in music, but I just. don't. like him.

Danny Gokey's got some contact lenses on and looks like a pudgy, less attractive Robert Downey, Jr. QT advises Gokey to cut down on the hand gestures. Oy vey, he's singing "Endless Love." But... wait... I don't hate it. If I close my eyes and imagine him as Brian McKnight, it kind of works for me. And the looking up heavenward (dead wife-ward) as he finishes? (Tear.) (Not mine necessarily, but...)

Hey, why hasn't anyone done any Disney tunes?

Just kidding. Bad idea.

SCORE! Kris Allen wisely chooses the awesomest movie song of the last few years, "Falling Slowly," from Once. QT gives his song choice propers. (I am so thrilled that this song is finally appearing on karaoke box menus, BTW.) Could this kid be any cuter? I have a soft spot for baby monkeys who sing.

One more song of the night, but first... my favorite commercial of the year: "I like square butts and I cannot lie..." Booty is booty.

Lil Rounds's weaves keep getting longer and longer. I think all that hair is interfering with her hearing, because YET AGAIN she's picked an outdated song from bygone years: "The Rose." Snooze... she makes us wait too long for the gospel section, which livens it up a bit. QT gave her some shitty advice, methinks, about "committing" to the traditional opening. Paula didn't even bother to critique her performance, and Simon is losing patience with her lame-o choices.