sort of embarrassed to admit this

I've been watching American Idol.

(Here I pause to wait for the barrage of beer bottles and rotten tomatoes to end.)

Yes, it's true. I've gone over to the dark side. Actually, I've gone *back* to the dark side. I watched several seasons way back when, then stopped because I grew a conscience and some dignity. But now, well, can dignity and a conscience shrink from lack of use?

Anyway, this stuff that these people sing is never anything that I would pay money to listen to, but ... well ... the fact of the matter is ... this season is actually ... GOOD! I can't believe I'm saying that, but it's the truth. I like the changes they've made this season. They seriously needed them. And the contestants this year? I watched last night - "Country Night" which would normally nauseate me - and really I can only name maybe two people that I think should be sent home. The rest of them I actually liked! I mean, I really really liked! On COUNTRY NIGHT for cripes sake! We're in for quite a competition here.

So yeah, I'm kind of excited to hear what these guys do in upcoming weeks when the theme is something I actually tolerate on a regular basis.


In case you're interested, here are my evaluations and predictions for the Top 13 (including the 2 who have already been eliminated:


Jorge: Eliminated last week, and I don't miss him. He was one of the stronger personalities, but one of the weaker singers.

Jasmine: Eliminated last week, and I don't miss her either. She's too green and needs to live a little before starting a career. Any career.

Danny: I've really liked him from the beginning and I think he has a chance to win it all. I think he has the stage presence to pull off any kind of musical performance, which is good on this show.

Anoop: I'm undecided on Anoop Dog. I think he's talented, but maybe not talented enough? I don't know. It just feels like he's trying too hard or something. But at least he doesn't bore me. And I kind of liked the song he chose last night.

Allison: I really enjoy her performances and I think she has a cool voice. But I tend to forget about her as soon as she's done. Don't know what that's about. But she can seriously sing.

Matt: I wasn't crazy about him at first, but this week he did awesome! I don't get the Justin Timberlake comparisons, but the kid is very talented, especially behind a piano.

Scott: Speaking of pianos, Paula was right when she said Scott was using the piano as a crutch. I give him kudos for doing this kind of thing with what could be a damaging handicap (he's blind, if you didn't know), but he really is the weakest singer. I don't want to sound like the bad guy, but I think he is getting the sympathy "good for you" votes.

Lil: I really like Lil and her R&B vibe. I think she needs to up her game a little in order to stand out more, but I think (and hope) that she could make it all the way.

Megan: Megan, Megan, Megan. What can I say about Megan? She's weird and tattooed and quirky in both her vocals and her onstage shimmies. Personally, I love it, and I always look forward to her performances, but I could see how the general populous might not want to keep her around.

Michael: I liked him at the beginning, but I think his star is fading. He's just becoming very blah. I don't think he'll stick around for more than a few more weeks, if that.

Alexis: I like Alexis. I really liked her performance last week, but this week wasn't as strong. Still, she's one of my faves and I think she'll go far. As long as she keeps being "dirty," that is, but maybe they can stop saying that word? Please?

Kris: This kid is adorable, and he can sing. Yes, that's all I'm going to say.

Adam: So, saving the weirdest for last, there's Adam. I missed some of the early auditions and Hollywood week episodes, so I really didn't know much about this Adam kid until last week. And, um, I LIKE IT!! He's kind of weird and goth and wears makeup and nail polish and tight leather pants, and he's got a voice like I've never heard before. He can do a fantastic falsetto, and really knows how to work the crowd. I wasn't sure what to make of last night's Middle-Eastern-tinged version of "Ring of Fire" But I think I maybe liked it? I liked judge Kara's comment, "It left me confused and sort of happy." Yes, definitely. And I think Adam is going places. Whether it's to American Idol's hall of fame, or to another planet where he can be ruler of the tight-pants girly-singers, remains to be seen.

Seacrest, out.