March 2nd, 2010
10:03 PM ET

The men of 'Idol' try to be better

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So we started off strong, ended not too bad, and in between – ehhh.

This week's performances were not nearly as bad as last week, but that's not saying too much. Week one was so abysmal that there really was no place to go but up.

It may be too early in the season but I haven't seen anyone yet that I just love, love, love. I thought it was going to be Andrew Garcia, but at this point I would rather watch his stuff on YouTube than him on "Idol."

Did anyone thrill you this week or are you anxiously awaiting the women's performances on Wednesday night?

Jumping into the show now? Meet the top 24 on "American Idol"

March 2nd, 2010
08:11 PM ET

The Top 10 men take the stage

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9:51 p.m. – I forgot all about "Mr. Nice Guy" Lee Dewyze.

I need him to never, ever wear that crazy hat again.

His version of Hinder's "Lips of an Angel" reminded me of Counting Crows' Adam Duritz with a little Chris Daughtry thrown in. I thought it was a really good performance. Who knew? If he would just get some swagger, he could be a serious contender.

Do we have a dark horse in Lee?

9:40 p.m. – I really want to cut Tim Urban's hair.

Something about it makes me either want to tousle it or hack it off.

"Come On Get Higher" by Matt Nathanson initially seemed like a bad choice for Tim, but honestly I think this is the best this guy has to offer. He's really just an OK singer; he lucked out when someone else was disqualified.

I felt like he was in the exact opposite position of Andrew Garcia, who I wish had picked up his guitar. Tim should have put his down and focused on the singing. Ellen put it out there that if he were on "Glee" he'd have a shot? Really? No way. Those kids on "Glee" can blow.

And is Simon really impressed or is he trying some Jedi mind trick where he says Tim is good in hopes that the audience rebels? If Urban is safe again this week I'm going to flip out. No lie.

9:30 p.m. -The thing about having a young contestant like Aaron Kelly is that they are so unformed that it's hard to criticize them.

Aaron is only 16 years old and with that being said, his version of "My Girl" was sweet and a tad bit more confident than I expected. It was an actual performance and his voice only started to fade the last few notes. It's as if he was saying to the rest of the contestants "Don't count the baby out!"

You just know the young girls are getting their texting fingers ready to vote for that kid!

9:19 p.m. – I should have known by Andrew Garcia's glasses that he was a breakdancer. That's some straight B-boy style right there.

I LOVE JAMES MORRISON! "You Give Me Something" was my ring tone for the longest. I thought Andrew was going to rock this song, but it initially seemed like he was struggling with the notes at points.

I'm confused. This kid had so much promise early on, but I feel like we are watching Andrew implode. I'm sad!

9:12 p.m. – I'm impressed with Ellen's knowledge of Frankie Beverly and Maze. And Jermaine better be praying that he's back next week. If he had as much performance ability as he does back talk for the judges he'd be the man!

9:07 p.m.– I could have done without Jermaine Sellers' "onesie." That image will haunt me for days to come as will his "I rocks the onesie" line.

And Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" is one of those sacred songs that you really shouldn't touch unless you are a master. Jermaine ain't there yet. Maybe he needs to revisit that steam mask or whatever he uses to "open up." Plus I was distracted by all the faces and eye drama he was giving.

8:54 p.m. – Todrick Hall wants to be like Paula Abdul?

That's not very high for a singer to aim. I love me some Paula, but I wouldn't classify what she does as "singing."

Todrick picks "What's Love Got to Do With It" and it's a strange choice. Of all the songs that you could take to smooth out, a Tina Turner jam ain't one of 'em. His voice is so much better than his song choice this week. That performance was unfortunate.

8:41 p.m. –Poor Alex Lambert.

Who goes on national television and admits to throwing up before a performance? Perhaps he is going for the sympathy vote. And that invented language of his needs some work.

"Everybody Knows" by John Legend is a great song and Lambert's version was unique. I think he took the song and made it his own in such a way that anyone not familiar with the original was probably grooving along. For me it was a little weird, but not horrible – especially compared to his performance last week.

Now if he could only lose the mullet.

8:30 p.m. – Casey James never watched "Idol" before? Yeah, right!

Plenty of people don't watch TV, but with the Internet there is so much access to clips that I find it hard to believe that he didn't check out the show before he tried out.  Full disclosure: Gavin DeGraw's "I Don't Want To Be" is not one of my favorite songs.

And in this case, I enjoyed Casey's guitar playing more than I did his voice, which seemed like it wasn't strong enough to take on the notes. I dug the Prince-like playing towards the end of the song, though (other folks here probably heard Hendrix like Randy did, but I thought Prince).

And what is up with Ellen loving everybody's look?

8:18 p.m. – I like John Park. He just seems really earnest and sweet.

He takes on "Gravity" by John Mayer and from the first note I was thinking "wrong song choice again John." I know he was trying to show off his smoothness, but this selection didn't do it for me.

I think John needs to step up his game if he is going to try and be soulful.  And for once I agree with the pitchy comments and Kara's gripe that he didn't connect with the song. Once again Simon threw a body blow letting John know he thinks he's on his way out this week.

8:02 p.m. – Why is Randy now on the end of the judges?

The musical chairs with the judges must end. Kara has her hair down and she's already annoying me with the constant neck action as she speaks. Just don't get that chick.

We get some background info on Big Mike Lynche and he was into both theater and football in high school. I can see that. Plus, that dude is crazy strong! I don't think I have ever seen anyone lift someone else like that.

Big Mike takes on the James Brown classic "It's a Man's Man's Man's World." Interesting choice. On one hand, I like the throwback vibe. On the other, it just reminds me how much I miss the originals. Big Mike sang it well though. We are off to a better start this week and Randy gives him a standing "O."

March 2nd, 2010
08:02 PM ET

'Idol' back with the Top 20

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I am trying to venture into tonight with an open mind after last week's fiasco.

The men are singing tonight in place of the women since Crystal Bowersox had a medical issue which prevented her from performing. Get well soon "Mama Sox!"

Ryan Seacrest is back to the full suit and tie look. Me likey.

He once again reminds us that the contestants future is in our hands. Ahh the pressure!

Here we go.

March 2nd, 2010
04:09 PM ET

'Idol' swap this week

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“American Idol” will be mixing it up this week.

Instead of the women performing first on Tuesday night, Fox announced that, due “to medical issues which would prevent Crystal Bowersox from performing,” the 10 male semifinalists will perform instead.

The women will perform on Wednesday night, with the results show on Thursday. According to a press release, the switcheroo will only be in place this week and the women will perform next Tuesday night and the men next Wednesday night.

FULL POST

March 2nd, 2010
02:50 PM ET

Leno's 'Tonight Show' takes top spot in ratings

Jay Leno Love him or hate him, people are still watching Jay Leno.

NBC did a special rush job to get Leno’s Monday-night ratings from across the nation, instead of going off the usual 25 markets they can cull overnight averages from. In both sets of ratings, however, the results are mighty positive.

Leno's first night back, which featured actor and musician Jamie Foxx as well as Olympic gold medal skier Lindsey Vonn, ranked No. 1 among major networks in his time slot, according to Nielsen Media Research.

FULL POST


Filed under: Late Night comedy • television
March 2nd, 2010
01:37 PM ET

Lil Wayne sentencing postponed

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Lil Wayne is free for at least another day.

Sentencing for the rapper was postponed on Tuesday due to a fire in the basement of the courthouse, a court spokesman confirmed. A new sentencing date has not been set, court spokesman David Bookstaver said.

Dwayne Carter, the rapper’s legal name, pleaded guilty to felony gun charges in a deal with prosecutors in October 2009 and he was expected to receive a one-year prison sentence set to start immediately after the sentencing.

FULL POST

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