Culturally Preconditioned

The year they were born. I always thought if I had the voice to sing (HA FUCKING HA!), I will definitely pick The Pretender by Jackson Browne for this theme. 1976, baby! But I can’t sing for shit, so let’s get into this.

Ramiele Malubay - Alone (Heart)

I heart this song. What was the chick’s name who sang this last year before being cut off? Man, that was awesome. Celine’s rendition? Not so much. Ramiele’s rendition? So much less. And what is that outfit she got on? Her hight notes were simply disastrous. OMG what was she thinking. And don’t think I didn’t hear you the first time, Paula.. “I give you a lot of crap.. credit”. 3 out of 10.

Jason Castro - Fragile (Sting)

Mmmm this may be Jason’s first performance that I’m totally crazy with. Song selection? Possibly. Never been a huge fan of Sting’s. The performance was teetering on boring. Sorry. But he better not leave the show this week. 5 out of 10.

Syesha Mercado - If I Were Your Woman (Stephanie Mills)

Her voice sounds a lot more smooth this week. I don’t know. I can’t seem to find a real fault in Syesha’s performances, but I just don’t see her becoming the next Idol. But this was a pretty good song for her. Probably one of her best, so far. Bravo. 7.5 out of 10.

Chikezie - If Only For One Night (Luther Vandross)

Didn’t know this guy had Nigerian parents. And boy, I didn’t see this guy lasting more than the Top 12 but he’s proving me wrong. That was a really good performance. Sweet, mellow and powerful at the same time. It got a tad boring towards the end but me likey. 7 out of 10.

Brooke White - Every Breath You Take (The Police)

I was so afraid she might butcher this most oversung song in the history of music. A little stumblefuck at the beginning, but she remained her composure for the rest of the song. But this is nowhere near the awesomeness that was her Let It Be performance. I’m starting to like her, but dayum that was bland. 5.5 out of 10.

Michael Johns - We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions (Queen)

S-U-P-A-H. H-A-W-T. 10 out of 10.

Carly Smithson - Total Eclipse of The Heart (Bonnie Tyler)

Once again, she’s living up to expectations. This was an awesome performance. Complete with the necessary serak basak and everything. She’s not going to win the show, but she better be in it for the long haul, at least. 8 out of 10.

David Archuletta - You’re The Voice (David Foster)

I love the fact that he’s been dubbed as Devil Porkchop by the Sucks community. LOL. Good performance, but no, I don’t think I can ever give my support to this male jailbait. Suara dia dah pecah ke belum nih?? Musykil betul aku. Sure he can sing.. but meh. I wonder if the Claymates were as bad as the rabid Archuletta fantards this year. 6 out of 10.

Kristy Lee Cook - God Bless The USA (Lee Greenwood)

Holy crap. Why is she still on this show? You don’t annoy your family now.. but you’re annoying the rest of the world watching this show, selfish twunt. However, I have to be fair and say that the performance wasn’t as disastrous as I thought it would be. In fact, I actually think it was slightly better than Jason’s and even Brooke’s performance. Yeah, didn’t think I would ever say that. 6 out of 10.

David Cook - Billie Jean (Michal Jackson)

Wow. What an incredible original take on this Michael Jackson classic! Totally unexpected, and totally awesome. This was pretty orgasmic. 9 out of 10.

All in all a pretty interesting night. Lovin’ it.

Final Rankings for the Night :

1. Michael (10/10)
2. David Cook (9/10)
3. Carly (8/10)
4. Syesha (7.5/10)
5. Chikezie (7/10)
6. Kristy (6/10)
7. David Archuletta (6/10)
8. Brooke (5.5/10)
9. Jason (5/10)
10. Ramiele (3/10)

OMFG Stereophonics in Singapore!

From : MTV ASIA

Stereophonics Live In Singapore!

March 12, 2008
Singapore - LAMC Productions is pleased to announce that the highly acclaimed U.K. alt rockers Stereophonics will perform at Fort Canning Park on April 28, 2008

Stereophonics have had six consecutive albums debut at No. 1 on the U.K. charts including their latest release Pull the Pin!

$85 Early bird tickets will go on sale at Sistic starting March 17. Standard priced tickets will be $95 from April 1 – 27 and $105 on the day of show (excluding Sistic fee). All tickets are standing general admission.

Holy shit on ice! The Stereophonics are finally coming to this part of the world!!! YES YES YES!!!!!! But I can’t help but wonder if it’s a little too late for the Phonics to spread their wings in Asia. I have to admit that as much as I’m one of their biggest fan in this region, they’ve somewhat lost momentum for their past two albums.

I was hooked on them when I first listened to their Local Boy in the Photograph single from one of those freebies CD samplers from Q magazine. And I was a loyal supporter ever since! Their first album, Word Gets Around, is definitely on my all-time Top 5 favorite music albums ever. It’s simple, it’s raw.. but most importantly, there are ZERO love songs on that album. I remember actually voting for them to win the Brit Awards for Best Newcomer, which they did. It was an amazing victory, cause I didn’t think that many people liked them back then.

Local Boy in The Photograph is a fucking classic song. Of course our own local TV3 had to fucking butcher the song by playing the shitty video over and over again till most every one got sick. I blame TV3 for their failure to gain fans here.

Remember that video? Yeah, even I can’t fathom seeing it for more than two times in a row. The song still kicks fucking ass though. I remember buying tickets to their first ever home coming concert in Cardiff (Cwmaman Feel The Noize), only having to forsake it because I had an exam that day. Grrrr..

And Traffic will FOREVER be Stereophonics’ best anthemic song ever.

Their follow up album, Performance and Cocktails, were highly anticipated - following their recent win in the Brit Awards.

Isn’t that cover awesome? So fucking awesome that I actually went down to London to the exact photo location at a football pitch and took a picture there. LOL… how stupid was that? The songs on this album are absolutely orgasmic. Seriously. Personally, I think this was their absolute peak in the music biz.

Personally, I loved Hurry Up and Wait

But Just Looking.. this anthemic song is right there behind Traffic.

And of course, there’s Pick A Part (That’s New).. in which I actually won a competition and received a studio released video recording of this track. Awesome, awesome, awesome. The vid’s a take on The Italian Job, by the way.

I was lucky enough to catch them in Manchester (got into the mosh pit, no less.. it was fantastic!) during their Performance and Cocktails tour just before graduation.

Just Enough Education to Performed followed shortly. By this time I was back in Malaysia, where possibly only 5 people cared enough to knows who the Stereophonics was. So much so that I had to order the CD from amazon.co.uk. The first single pissed off a lot of music reviewers (yeah listen to Mr Writer and you’d know why).. the video is pretty awesome though.

But the only really good song that I liked from this album (and probably one of their best releases so far), was the Rod Stewart cover of Handbags and Gladrags - most of you would recognize this song as the background track to The Office. I fucking loved this song, and this video… well it’s basically just the band singing.

By the time their fourth album, You Gotta Go There To Come Back, was released.. I kinda lost interest. The only songs that’s worth mentioning from this album are Since I Told You It’s Over, Getaway and Maybe Tomorrow (which was featured in the rolling credits of the award winning movie - Crash).

Their fifth album - Language, Sex, Violence, Other - was a return to form - indicated by their first #1 UK single - Dakota. Love it. This was a pretty good album, but I wouldn’t have bought it if I didn’t know what the Phonics have done in the past.

And finally, their sixth album, released last year - Pull The Pin. Well I have to admit that I didn’t really give a shit as to what’s on this album.

HOWEVER, the Phonics always sound excellent live on stage. THE STEREOPHONICS ARE THE BEST LIVE ACT EVER. So.. shitty releases aside, I am soooo planning on catching them live in Singapore next month. Let’s just hope they’ll focus 90% on their earlier works. Oh boy oh boy oh boy.. *orgasm*

With popular demand - Idol is back with The Beatles. *sniff*

Amanda - Back In The USSR

I like her voice and shit but it’s all gotten too predictable and repetitive (typed this before hearing Simon’s comment, btw) . It was just alright for me. 5 out of 10

Kristy - You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away

Does this bitch never learn? Pick a mind numbingly boring song, why don’t you. “I can blow you out of your socks…” girl, we all know that sentence is 4 words too long. 4 out of 10.

David A - The Long and Winding Road

In the first few moments, he kinda sounds like someone auditioning for Oliver! Much much better performance than last week’s. I hate the crowd (ie. fucking tweengirls. shut. the. flying. fuck. up.) for screaming every time he sings a long note. 7 out of 10.

Michael - A Day In The Life

Some people might argue that he doesn’t have enough charisma or stage presence to win it all. I actually think otherwise. There was a minor raspy fuck up before the 1st chorus but that’s forgiveable IMO. 6 out of 10.

Brooke - Here Comes the Sun

Personally, I think this pale wraith keeps on choosing the right songs. Colour me impressed. It was a pretty good performance - even though slightly repetitive. Not her best, but pretty good. 6.5 out of 10.

David C - Day Tripper

Egghead Daughtry - eat your heart out. Loved the performance. Totally kick ass, this one. Bravo.. never really liked this dude, but this was pretty good. 7 out of 10.

Carly - Blackbird

This was a nice song, but I didn’t think there was anything to write home about with the performance. Good, but not out of this world or anything. 7 out of 10.

Jason - Michelle

Alors Mon Dieu! Loved the French version. He hasn’t got the most powerful voice on the show, but Jason continues to pleasantly surprise me week after week. Seriously, Jason for the win! Fuck you judges. 7.5 out of 10.

Syesha - Yesterday

Started off great. Then it all became a little too much and too over the top for me. 7 out of 10.

Chikezie - I’ve Just Seen a Face

He sounded surprisingly tender the first half of the song. The sudden change to the cartoonish-western type tempo did NOT work at all for me. Should’ve kept it straight and simple. Again, I typed this before listening to Cowell’s comments. 5 out of 10.

Ramiele - I Should Have Known Better

A pretty decent performance.. but try as I might, I just can’t get myself into enjoying Ramiele’s performances. 6 out of 10.

Final Rankings for The Night :

1. Jason (7.5/10)
2. David C (7/10)
3. Carly (7/10)
4. David A (7/10)
5. Syesha (7/10)
6. Brooke (6.5/10)
7. Michael (6/10)
8. Ramiele (6/10)
9. Amanda (5/10)
10. Chikezie (5/10)
11. Kristy (4/10)

All in all.. a very very extremely dull show tonight. If you haven’t seen it, skip it.

I’ve never been a huge fan of the Beatles. That’s blasphemous, I know.. and I think I’ve mentioned it on more than one occasion. Yes, I know they’re a huge influence on so many musicians nowadays, and helped music become what it is today.. but when it all comes down to personal preference, I’m just not totally crazy over them. Does that make me an idiot? I suppose so, but I tell it like it is. Can’t say that I was very excited to watch tonight’s show, knowing in advance what the theme was going to be, so I will try to keep this simple.

Syesha - Got to Get You In My Life

Vocally she sounded good but in my honest opinion, that was quite a boring performance. 5.5 out of 10.

Chikezie - She’s a Woman

Wow the banjo and the violin was a nice touch. And that was an incredible arrangement. His voice fell a little short, but I believe this really was his best so far. 7 out of 10.

Ramiele - In My Life

She reminds me of that woman who sang a duet with Marc Anthony. Her voice was actually quite nice but the performance was beyond dull. 5.5 out of 10

Jason - If I Tell Fell

I wonder if this acapella thingy will be his download. I sure hope not. Thanks to him, Halellujah became one of the top songs downloaded from iTunes last week. But this wasn’t him at his best. 7 out of 10.

Carly - Come Together

Now we’re back to the Carly that I liked. She was simply horrendous last week, but this performance was very Amanda-worthy. Good job. 8.5 out of 10.

David C - Eleanor Rigby

His voice was pretty cool, but he’s simply a second rate Daughtry at his best. I’m afraid he’s not going to cut it for me. 6 out of 10.

Brooke - Let It Be

Still looks like that wraith Kyra Sedgwick, which sucks because I wanted to dislike her so bad, but again like last week, her voice pulled through and made me love the performance. 8 out of 10.

David H - I Saw Her Standing There

Eh. It was pretty lame. Getting tired of this guy now. Simon described it best - it came off as kinda desperate. 5 out of 10.

Amanda - You Cant Do That

Wonderful performance, as usual, but not her best. Nothing much to say really, except why the fuck does Taye Diggs always appear in the audience? 7 out of 10.

Michael - Across The Universe.

Look, I like his voice, but that was bordering on being painfully boring and flat. The band saved it midway through, but it was just not enough. He could’ve done a lot better with this one. 7 out of 10.

Kristy - Eight Days a Week

She wowed me last week, and wowed me again this week - but in a bad way. The arrangement was a major fuck up. If anything, it sounded like the background music of an unfunny cartoon show. Easily the absolute worst of the night. Buh-bye now. 4 out of 10.

David A - We Can Work It Out

That was weak. A kinda WTF performance for the viewing audience. That said, he’s got a huuuge “awww what an adorable little boy that I just want to keep in my pocket” fan base, so he is going absolute nowhere. 5 out of 10.

Final Rankings for the Night :

Can’t say that I’m surprised as to how the show turned out tonight. Ryan Semencrust should stop making inappropriate paedo-inclined comments/jokes/innuendos. He has inspired me to update my long overdue Top 10 Shit List collection - this time, it’s going to be Top 10 Shit Lists of Celebrities Who Should Disappear Into Oblivion (watch out for a combo of local radio station DJs making appearances in there!)

What the hell? I actually have all the songs sung tonight on my iPod at one time or another. Just shows how much music from the 80s rocks the shit out of my pants. If only every single Idol episode would be as entertaining as this. Hmmm 80s Idol anyone?

A’s’i'a’h Epperson - I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Whitney Houston)

I just realized that she bleats even when she’s talking. Wow. Anyway, loved the song and the performance was pretty good for someone trying to impersonate Whitney. Not much complaints from me. 7.5 out of 10.

Kady Malloy - Who Wants To Live Forever (Queen)

I never thought I would ever feel bored listening to this song. Never ever. But it did. This was a terrible song choice for her, which is surprising, cause she knows she’s in the hot seat and she should’ve chosen a song that would really complement her vocal abilities. She’s a goner. 4 out of 10.

Amanda Overmyer - I Hate Myself for Loving You (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts)

I honestly don’t get the Amanda-hatred over in some places, what with people calling her fake and shit. Whatever. She did a really good job tonight, in my opinion. Maybe she’s really more suited for Rockstar than for American Idol (but that don’t explain Egghead Daughtry’s on this show, though.. unless people are sexist) 8.5 out of 10.

Carly Smithson - I Drove All Night (Cyndi Lauper)

Wow. I still remember the first time I heard this song (and even the first time seeing the video). Damn this song brings back powerful memories. Unfortunately, I didn’t think Carly sang this song well. At all. People say Cyndi’s got a terrible voice, but I beg to differ. She’s the only one who can truly carry this song - which even Celine failed to do so. (this song is actually a Roy Orbison cover) 5.5 out of 10.

Kristy Lee Cook - Faithfully (Journey)

When I heard the first few piano notes, I thought to myself - oh hell no. Just no. Someone is going to butcher an 80s classic. However, to my pleasant surprise, it was not that bad. Maybe it’s her country twang that did it? Yeah, I think that’s a lot likely. 6.5 out of 10.

Ramiele Malubay - Against All Odds (Phil Collins)

When a female sings this song, there’s a 90% chance that they’re going to sing Mariah’s version. Thankfully, Ramiele did not. Pretty good, but nothing mind blowing. I’m just not that into her voice. 6 out of 10.

Brooke White - Love Is A Battlefield (Pat Benatar)

Love the song and the acapella take on it was a nice surprise. She still looks like a wraith to me and I so wanted her to suck, but it was good. Really good. Far better than Carrie’s version in her season. 7 out of 10.

Syesha Mercado - Saving All My Love For You (Whitney Houston)

Like A’s’i'a’h, she pretty much nailed this Whitney song. And that’s that. Bonus pointrs to her for the voice clarity. 8 out of 10.

Final Rankings for this Round :

1. Amanda Overmyer (8.5/10)
2. Syesha Mercado (8/10)
3. A’s’i'a’h Epperson (7.5/10)
4. Brooke White (7/10)
5. Kristy Lee Cook (6.5/10)
6. Ramiele Malubay (6/10)
7. Carly Smithson (5.5/10)
8. Kady Malloy (4/10)

Again, just like yesterday, this was quite a satisfying show. It’s the 80s music, that’s what it is. Anyway, selamat mengundi to everyone this coming Saturday. I know who I’m voting for - Ryan Tedder. He really is going to be the next big thing.

Sorry for my week’s absence. There was a family emergency and I had to return to JB for the entire week and was cut off totally from the internet. Didn’t think I could do it - but I did. Didn’t have time to watch the shows last week, and not going to bother downloading the show - although I am curious to hear someone sing Me and Mrs Jones (sexiest song ever) from last week. Anyway, we’re back this week with the best Idol theme ever - Music from the 80s!

Luke Menard - Wake Me Up Before You Go Go (Wham!)

can’t believe this guy survived the last 2 episodes. Love the song (LMAO at Dame Sally Markham singing Jitterbug in Hello Britain).. but still not a fan of his voice. Btw he looks like the bastard child of Orlando Bloom and Hugh Jackman - but looks ain’t gonna cut it (for me, at least). 4 out of 10.

David Archuletta - Another Day In Paradise (Phil Collins)

Hmm interesting.. I actually liked his rendition of this song. Yeah, this kid is going to be Final 4, for sure. The (faux?) piano playing was a nice touch, but he’s gotta be careful on the eye-fucking though. His comments about the song being about the homeless had me laughing for a bit, because images of that self entitled British wannabe asshole came to mind. 8 out of 10.

Danny Noriega - Tainted Love (Soft Cell)

Ah yet another wonderful 80s classic. Is it just me, or was his voice drowned out by the music? Can’t comment much on that except bravah for being himself. You go, gurl. 5 out of 10.

David Hernandez - It’s All Coming Back To Me Now (Pandora’s Box)

Wow.. one of the few male contestants who actually pulled off a ‘Celine’ song. It wasn’t mind blowing but it was pretty good. And I ave to comment on the whole stripping at the gay club thingy. What the hell is the big deal, and why is anyone actually surprised by it? He looks the part, and I’d be surprised if he actually didn’t do what he supposedly did. 7 out of 10.

Michael Johns - Don’t You (Simple Minds)

I just like this guy. And bonus points for picking a song from The Breakfast Club. His performance was on par with his previous ones (including the auditions and Hollywood sessions). Nothing spectacular, but I enjoyed it. I keep wondering if he’d do better in Rockstar than on this show - cause if it comes down between Archuletta and him in the Final 2 - who do you think the Americans will vote for? 8 out of 10.

David Cook - Hello (Lionel Ritchie)

Nope.. personally, the guitar riffs were distracting. He sounded horrible in the beginning, but thankfully picked up midway through..and faltered again with the inappropriate yelling. Nope. He should’ve been gone before this. 5 out of 10.

Jason Castro - Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen)

Hmm the only song that I’ve never heard of before tonight. But it was a sweet and tender performance. I like his voice and that’s not going to change. If there’s any dark horse in this competition, I’m really hoping this will be the one. 8 out of 10.

Chikezie - All the Man That I Need (Linda Clifford)

What?? He’s still in this competition? For real? But his performance tonight was a thousand times better than the one from Top 12. That was nice. Very nice, indeed. 7 out of 10.

Final Rankings for this Round :

1. Michael Johns (8/10)
2. David Archuletta (8/10)
3. Jason Castro (8/10)
4. David Hernandez (7/10)
5. Chikezie (7/10)
6. David Cook (5/10)
7. Danny Noriega (5/10)
8. Luke Menard (4/10)

All in all a very satisfying episode - but that Luke person nees to go the fuck home ASAP. Can’t wait to see what the girls will bring tomorrow. MAN I LOVE MUSIC FROM THE 80S!!!!

And it’s official. The girls are way better than the guys in this competition (as always). And Ryan is a little obsessed with Simon Cowell (as always). Stick Insect should shut the fuck up, do his job and not fawn over Simon after every round. Anyway, Song from the 60s continues tonight with the ladies.

Kristy Lee Cook - Rescue Me (Fontella Bass)

Such a well-known song, but I have a feeling it would’ve been better performed by someone else. She sounded too sweet for this song (And I wrote this before I heard Simon’s comments). And what the fuck is that thing that she do with her eyes - bulging out like that? It’s distracting. 5.5 out of 10.

Joanne Borgella - Say A Little Prayer (Dionne Warwick)

Voluptuous is now my new favorite word. She didn’t oversing this anthemic classic, but I was somehow expecting something out of the ordinary. Nothing exceptional about her performance, but yeah it was still alright. 6 out of 10.

Alaina Whitaker - More Today Than Yesterday (Spiral Staircase)

Wow.. this is helluva lot better than CHikadees yesterday.. how poignant. It is indeed more (better) today than yesterday. I wasn’t impressed with her prior to tonight, but I kinda changed my mind now. 7.5 out of 10 and +1 point to her dad for giving Simon an icy death glare from the sidelines.

Amanda Overmyer - Baby, Please Don’t Go (Them)

Damn I love this girl. Rocker chick’s got the pipes to carry any rock and roll tunes, and she fucking knows it. Le sigh.. this totally brings back Dilana memories. 8 out of 10.

Amy Davis - Where The Boys Are (Connie Francis)

She pulled off the 60s look but that’s pretty much it. I know she was going for the smoky, country voice thingy but unfortunately she failed miserably. 3 out of 10.

Brooke White - Happy Together (The Turtles)

I don’t know why but personally, she’s just not pleasant to look at. There’s just something psychotic, devious and creepy about her.. it’s weird. I know that’s a mean thing to say, but I never hold back on saying what I think. She’s got a singing voice, but that performance .. well in my honest opinion, I thought it was pretty shitty. Not a fan. 5 out of 10.

Alexandrea Lushington - Spinning Wheel (Blood, Sweat & Tears)

ohmahgad.. I love her. Her voice so crisp and clear and yet so powerful at the same time. She’s got an awesome stage presence, and is definitely the token diva this season. 8 out of 10.

Kady Malloy - A Groovy Kind Of Love (The Mindbenders)

Oh, I wasn’t aware that this was a song from the 60s (oh fucking sue me, granny). It was a slow as hell of aperformance but she didn’t completely put everyone to sleep like some people (I think). She kinda went overboard with the harmonics though. 6 out of 10. And +2 points for her for the uber excellente Britney impersonation.
Asia’h Epperson - Piece of My Heart (Janis Joplin)

Her voice is awesome. In small doses. You can only endure so much of the serak basah-ness. I wish they’d stop pimping on her father’s death though.. that is so going to get annoying soon. 7 out of 10.

Ramiele Malubay - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (Dusty Springfield)

Should I be prepared to get crucified if I make negative remarks on Ramiele? Cause you just know I’m going to be called a traitor and anti-Asian and all that shit. This is ssooooooo going to be Camille/Jasmine-redux all over again and I’m hating it. On the bright side, she’s actually better than the two, but IMO definitely not the best of the night. 7 out of 10.

Syesha Mercado - Tobacco Road (The Nashville Teens)

Okay, she just upped herself up from Alexandrea. A better sounding Nadia Turner. She is, however, a self confessed mactor. Ick. I just hope she’s not going to shout all the way through this competition. But as for tonight, me likey. 8 out of 10.

Carly Smithson - The Shadow of Your Smile (Tony Bennett)

For once on this show, the overpimping is completely justified. I love this girl. She’s in a completely different ball game than the rest IMP (even though the ending.. terkedu kejap). 9 out of 10.

Final rankings for this round :

1. Carly Smithson (9/10)
2. Syesha Mercado (8/10)
3. Amanda Overmyer (8/10)
4. Alexandrea Lushington (8/10)
5. Alaina Whitaker (7.5/10)
6. Asia’h Epperson (7/10)
7. Ramiele Malubay (7/10)
8. Kady Malloy (6/10)
9. Joanne Borgella (6/10)
10. Kristy Lee Book (5.5/10)
11. Brooke White (5/10)
12. Amy Davis (3/10)

The girls are completely running this show.. and you all better know it. I won’t be making any reviews for the results show (as usual).. but at this point in time, I don’t really have a solid favourite.. so I don’t really care who goes home (except Michael Johns and Carly Smithson). And I’m posting this just because I can.

Well the new season is here upon us again. This show is one of the few shows on TV that I try not to miss, however bad it gets. They’ve shown us the auditions and the Hollywood rounds for the past few weeks, and we’re now down to the Top 24. And here they are (pictures courtesy of justjared)

Back Row L-R: Alexandrea Lushington, Robbie Carrico, Jason Castro, Danny Noriega (striped shirt), Brooke White, Amanda Overmyer, Michael Johns, David Cook (bandana), Luke Menard and Carly Smithson (standing far right).

Bottom Row L-R: Chikezie Eze, Colton Berry, Asia’H Epperson, Kady Malloy (seated, black dress), Joanne Borgella, Ramiele Malubay, David Hernandez (seated, front), Amy Davis, Alaina Whitaker, Syesha Mercado, Jason Yeager, David Archuleta (seated), Garrett Haley and Kristy Lee Cook.

Well tonight’s it’s the Top 12 guys, where this week 2 guys will be cut out from the show. Who will it be? Your guess is as good as mine. I’m just glad that fake British wannabe titty sucker Josiah didn’t make it this far into the show. This week’s theme is Music from the 60s. Good call that they’re putting this snoozefest of a theme out of the way so soon into the competition, so we don’t have to endure it later down the line.

David Hernandez - In the Midnight Hour (Wilson Pickett)

Dude can sing and is pretty easy on the eyes. It’s always hard to judge the first singer of the season. And does he remind anyone else of David Rocco? 6.5 out of 10.

Chikezie - More Today Than Yesterday (The Spiral Starecase)

How can you not love a guy with a name like Chikezie? Well that’s what I initially thought anyway. He didn’t sound so flattering with his lower registers, despite his long note at the end. I especially didn’t like him mouthing Simon off. There’s a place and time for that, but you weren’t that great to be mouthing people off in the first show. 5 out of 10.

David Cook - Happy Together (The Turtles)

Isn’t this one of the songs from Joseph and His Technicolor Dreamcoat show?Anyway, it sounded weird. Is it the offbeat temp? I just didn’t like it as much as the judges did. not at all. 4.5 out of 10.

Jason Yeager - Moon RIver (Audrey Hepburn)

This song maybe as slow as shit, and his performance may be boring as sin, but I actually liked his voice. I dunno. I’m surprised there were such venomous remarks from the judges, actually. 7 out of 10.

Robbie Carrico - One (Three Dog Night)

Okay, that came across more of a Bucky than a Bo. At this point of the show, I was almost in tears and so not impressed with this batch of guys. 4 out of 10.

David Archuleta - Shop Around (The Miracles)

I’m sre this guy has a HUGE fanbase already. Personally I think he’s okay, but I’m not overly impressed. Turn the doe-eyed visuals off and you can almost tell that a child is singing. Not my favorite, but I’m sure he’s a lock for the Final Five, at least. 6 out of 10.

Danny Noriega - Jailhouse Rock (Elvis Presley)

OMG it’s Betty’s nephew-clone! The swagger and the ‘tude. Oh my. I am kinda torn. He’s like Sangina, but can actually carry a tune somewhat. God help me. 5.5/10 (that +0.5 point for the diva headsnap he gave to Simon)

Luke Menard - Everybody’s Talkin (Fred Neil)

Yet another boring as shit performance. His voice is actually decent, but the performance was just dull, dull, dull. In fact, the only thing interesting about his segment was a shot of his wife giving a quick slap on his ass when he got the golden ticket. Worst song choice ever. 3.5 out of 10.

Colton DeGeneres - Suspicious Minds (Elvis Presley)

I loved his Ellen reference. It was actually kinda funny. But this isn’t Last Comic Standing. I wasn’t expecting to like his performance, but it was actually quite okay. Plus I actually like this song. 6 out of 10.

Garret Haley - Breaking Up Is Hard To Do (Neil Sedaka)

Holy Austin Power, it’s Heather Graham-lite! Okay, his voice was okay, but I have slight problems distinguishing if it’s a male or a female voice. The snooze of a performance definitely didn’t help either. 4.5 out of 10.

Jason Castro - Daydream (The Lovin’ Spoonful)

The dreadlocks are cool and I was totally hooked within the first line of his performance. Excellent song choice and excellent call with playing the guitar. He’s like a slightly youthful sounding Jack Johnson. The best of the night so far. 7.5 out of 10.

Michael Johns - Light My Fire (The Doors)

I loved his rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody during the Hollywood auditions and his performance tonight proved to the others that he is definitely one of the guys to beat in this competition. 8 out of 10.

Well the end is near. I’m afraid I won’t be able to watch the ‘live’ episode since I’m working the EU shift again this week. I might catch the repeat show at midnight.. but then again, I think I want to see that pseudo-British warbling self-entitled asshole get cut from the Top 24 in American Idol even more. Josiah Whatzisname - Biggest douchefag ever. As for the TARA2 finale, I’m sure I’ll eventually watch it soon.. not that keen on it, though. I think I might just read Klubkidd’s blog later, since he’s down in Singapore for the wrap-up party anyways. I’ve heard spoilers about the winners.. don’t know if it’s true. Oh well.. this season is beyond salvation anyway, regardless who the winners will be. It’s been fun. Not.

Holy shit.. it’s here! Currently downloading the episode… will post the review in a day or two. I haven’t been this excited about Survivor since.. well the last season. LOL I NEVER get tired of this shit.. the game is always different.