Tracks of my Tears

**Spoiler alert for those living under rocks**

The first time I ever watched American Idol was the year Ruben won. I attributed my tears during the finale to the fact that I was laid up in a hospital bed, six months pregnant with twins. (As a side note, we almost named Owen "Ryan," but Ryan Seacrest made me rethink that decision.)

Six years later, I can't really blame my kids anymore, so I just have to accept it: American Idol makes me cry. Not every episode, mind you, just the finale. 

I can't help it. There's something about seeing a person realize their dreams -- regardless of if they later look back and regret the whole thing, or if they never put out a decent record, or if they're just in love with celebrity -- there's something about that moment when the single thing that they wanted more than anything becomes theirs. 

I don't know, maybe it's just a manifestation of my childhood desire to be a singer. Or I'm just sappy. But I love it. Not all the product placement and horrible song choices and cheesy guest appearances, just the part where you can see that flicker in their eyes and you know their lives are changed. Who knew American Idol had such depth?

Lest you think I drank the whole pitcher of Kool-aid, I do want to point out that during the part of "We are the Champions" when all the eliminated contestants emerged through the smoke, all I could think about was the song near the end of "Les Miserables" when all the ghosts come out singing. Creepy. 

But congrats, Kris! I voted for you...in my mind. 

He Won!

I don't know what to say other than that was the first time I've really been surprised by a results show...and genuinely happy for the winner. Yay DC!  And btw, how awesome is it that he got to play with ZZ Top?

Idol-ized

Did everybody place their votes last night? I think DC might need them...despite his songs being far more listenable than those of his wee competitor. 

Really, if we're judging on entertainment and enjoyment, then DC is the clear winner, but I guess technical singing ability wins out over all else...well, technical singing ability and the unlimited free time and disposable income of tween girls.

I'm still cheering for you, DC. I'm hoping all of us old folks (and I mean 30 and up), who find Archuletta just a little creepy, came out in force last night. Can't wait to find out. 

Vegas, baby

As predicted, it'll be a D vs. D showdown next week on American Idol. I am conflicted because while I want David C. to win, I feel like maybe he'd be better off not winning since winning American Idol doesn't really add to your rock cred...

Anyway, back to real life...tomorrow I am leaving for Las Vegas! You dedicated readers might be asking, But weren't you just there? Yes, it's true. I was there for St. Patty's Day. I should be clear: though I love Las Vegas (probably too much), I don't usually visit every two months -- or even every year. This was just kind of a happy (lucky?) fluke. 

Really, it couldn't come at a better time. I'd describe the situation with the teenager as being at a standstill, which isn't really good, but at least it's not going further downhill. However, the events leading up to this standstill have left me in need of a getaway. 

And so I am off to fun in the sun! 97 degree sun! Good thing those casinos are climate-controlled. Highlights from the itinerary include a dessert tasting menu (that's right, 4 courses of dessert, no dinner), seeing the Dropkick Murphys play poolside at the Hard Rock (I have no idea what we're getting ourselves into with that one), and dinner at Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak. Not to mention all the laying by the pool and playing Price is Right slots. 

Expect a full report when I return. Viva Las Vegas!

I Got No Idols

Were we all just a little underwhelmed by last night's American Idol? The only really entertaining moment was David Archuletta attempting Chris Brown's "With You." And I mean entertaining as in totally awkward and cringe-worthy. But hey, he's a kid. At least he provided some comic relief. His other two songs were boring as could be.

Did Syesha look older last night? It's like they transformed her into a 35-year-old. Again, I was really hoping she'd blow me away...instead, I think she's sealed her fate as the third place winner (was it Paula who actually referred to her as "number 3"?). But that ain't too shabby. She can go to Broadway and belt it out on a nightly basis alongside all the other former Idol contestants. 

As for David Cook, he is still my favorite, but I feel like he's just my favorite by default at this point. I mean, I like him, but he's started screaming a lot. Add in the scrunched-up face thing, and it's getting to me. I thought he did a nice job with the Roberta Flack song, but the other two seemed like regurgitations of the last several weeks. Come on, DC, I wanna be inspired!

On an unrelated note, I've failed to mention that I am leaving for Las Vegas tomorrow morning (!!!!!!!!!!!). This means there will have to be a second blog later today...stay tuned.

My TV Hangover

Hooray for another fun-filled Wednesday night of reality television!

First the American Idol results...I fast forwarded through 90% of the show, but I was glad to see Jason go home. He seemed happy as well, so I guess that's a win-win. But dude, if the idea of singing three songs in a row is too much for you, maybe you want to pick another career.

It almost seems pointless to make them sing next week since it's SO obvious that Syesha is going home, but of course, I'll watch anyway just in case something shocking occurs. Maybe David Cook will just bow out so he can go start his real music career without the albatross of being an American Idol winner.

Next it was time for the real highlight of my Wednesday: Top Chef. For some reason they decided to shake things up by replacing the signature Top Chef challenge, "Restaurant Wars," in which the contestants have to actually open a restaurant, design a menu and serve restaurant food, with the lame-ass "Wedding Wars."

What could possibly make the producers think that watching the chefs cater a wedding would be as entertaining as watching them launch an entire restaurant concept? I'm sure there was some delusion that they'd piss the bride off and we'd get some great clip of her screaming, "You ruined my wedding!" while throwing canapes. But of course that didn't happen because the contestants actually can cook - they're all professionals and they know how to make a wedding buffet. Lame. Lame. Lame.

I don't watch the show so I can see them make buffet food! I like to see what crazy fancy things they can create with, like, a piece of fruit, a bag of flour and a steak. They are chefs - let them cook the good stuff!

Still, I wasn't sad to see Nikki go. She wasn't going to win it. I don't even know who I'm rooting for...none of them are really that endearing, but I guess I'd say Richard and Stephanie are my frontrunners at the moment. Any guesses on who the hot guest judge is next week? It can't be Rocco again.

Alright, back to real reality with me. Until, of course, it is time for LOST tonight. Woohoo!

Idol Chatter

I don't know why I haven't been blogging about American Idol the whole season - it would have been an easy way to guarantee an entry every Tuesday and Wednesday. Oh well.

In lieu of wallowing in the situation with the teenager, I'm hereby making a concerted effort to blog about something else for awhile.

So let's talk about American Idol. If I understood correctly, they had the entire song collection of every Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee...so what was up with the song selection? I know this makes me sound older than I am, but I think these kids need a little rock education. Anyway...

David Cook: I want you to win, but Duran Duran? Really? Out of all the choices? Nice job with "Baba O'Reilly," though. I am hopeful that the irony was intentional.

Jason: Ok, so you finally revealed yourself to be a stoner above all else. I don't think even those pretty little eyes can save you this week. But no worries, you've secured your place strumming stoner anthems in college campus coffee shops across the country. That's probably all you really wanted anyway, right?

Syesha: You did good. Honestly, I'm still waiting for that voice to really blow me away, but you definitely deserve the make it to the end.

David Archuletta: You seem like a really nice kid and I bet you kick ass at the high school talent show, but I can't for the life of me figure out why the judges keep loving you. I just don't think you're superstar material. I don't even think anyone above the age of 12 would sit through an entire concert of that sappy school-boy thing. I just don't get it.

If you made it this far, then there's a good chance you share my inexplicable adoration for this show. Please, share your thoughts. I'm always up for an Idol discussion.

It's What You Give

I said I wasn't going to, but then I did it anyway. I watched "Idol Gives Back" last night. Now, I don't want to imply that I'm not obsessed with American Idol (I am), but I like the sing-eliminate-sing-eliminate format...I'm not such a fan of telethons. 

I avoided the whole thing last year, but as most of my regular shows have ended for the season and it wasn't yet time for the new Top Chef, I thought I'd just take a peek at the fluff-meets-substance extravaganza. After (mostly) watching all 2.5 hours of it, I'd have to say it was decent -- and you can't argue with the oodles of money it raised for really good causes. 

I'd much rather have the youth of America spending their allowances trying to end the AIDS pandemic than buying another Miley Cyrus CD. And yes, Miss Miley was in the house last night and her plasticity as both a performer and "musician" was painfully obvious next to the likes of even Snoop Dogg, let alone Heart.

So I guess, good job American Idol. There's something to be said for leveraging our country's obsession with celebrity to make a big difference for people facing real challenges...maybe next year it could be compressed into an hour?