Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Idol Results - 4/30/08

Kim Reis

Ewwww.  The opening song “Song, Song Blue” was sung by the five finalists and it was bad karaoke (and that’s a compliment).  Neil Diamond said that these “kids didn’t make it to the top five by being average.“  I say - Some of them did.  I’m really not impressed with the talent level this year.  David Cooke is a front runner, by far.  But the others are not blowing me away.

Jason Castro was brought out on stage first and he ended up on the safe sofa.  WHAT???!!  Then, Archuletta came up.  SAFE!  Of course David Cooke was safe.  So that means Brooke and Syesha are in the bottom two.  What the???!  When I Jason Castro going to meet his maker?  The Jason Castro teeny bopper fan club must be texting their votes like crazy people.

Before I even see the results - my guess is that Brooke is going home.  Syesha deserves to stay for sure.

I don’t really like the phone calls from viewers at home.  It drags out the show.  I think the producers are trying to spruce up the show and it was a nice try.  But it doesn’t really work.  Although, there may have been a love connection between Simon and one of the callers who claims she was Simon’s first kiss and his first crush.

I watch my reality shows on TiVo and tonight, I started Idol about half way through.  Unfortunately, as I fast forwarded through the boring parts of the show, I caught up to “real time” and I was no impressed with Neil Diamond’s performance.  I couldn’t fast forward through it.  UGH!  I think Neil’s going home tonight.  he he he he.  It wasn’t memorable Dawg! 

So, Brooke went home.  And, although I was a fan throughout this competition, it was time.  She cried like crazy and I’m sure no one was surprised by that.  She cried all season.  But, I was certainly moved by her final performance and I feel that she sang it from the heart.  She’s sweet and I’m sure Arizona will welcome her back with open arms.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Idol and Mr. Diamond

Kim Reis

Tonight was Neil Diamond night on Idol with the top 5 Idol finalists ready to prove to America that they deserve to be here.  When Ryan Seacrest opened the show with that dramatic “THIS IS AMERICAN IDOL” opening, Jason Castro was holding back laughter behind his back.  Just watch Castro when he doesn’t know the camera is watching him.  It’s hysterical.  Last week, he yawned. 

Jason Castro sang “Forever in Blue Jeans”.  My buddy Rockin’ Joe (who frequently comments on my blogs) guessed that Brooke would pick that song.  HOW FUNNY!  Of all the Neil Diamond songs, it actually made it into the show.  Castro did OK.  Nothing spectacular and nothing memorable.  I’m not sure why he’s still here, but it must be the cute smile that’s appealing to the young teeny boppers who love to text in their votes.

David Cooke started by singing “I’m Alive” which is not a very well known song from Neil Diamond.  Could be gutsy because no one knows the song.  But, on the flip side, he can do no wrong and I don’t think America will let him go home.  It worked for him and he really rocked the house.  I’m not usually a fan of the front runner in any reality show or contest.  I always cheer for the underdog.  But, he did a nice job on this song.

Brooke sang “I’m a Believer” as her first song and decided to play the guitar.  Why does she choose to play instruments when she sings??  I don’t get it!  It doesn’t work for her.  Very weak song for her (and I’ve been a Brooke fan).  Jason was boring, but Brooke was bad.  Bad karaoke.  I think Shrek sang it better in the Dreamworks cartoon from 2001.  It looked like she had fun, but when she watches it back, I think she’ll be embarassed.

David Archuletta sang “Sweet Caroline” and really pissed off Red Sox fans for sure.  Too many runs and he tried to make a pop song.  Bad, bad, bad.  When I hear that song in the car, I get pumped.  When I heard Archuletta sing it, I thought he was from a “boy band”.  I didn’t like it.  But again, he’s the golden child, so I’m sure he’s not going anywhere.

Syesha sang “Hello Again” and she really sang it very well.  She just sang.  No fancy renditions.  She just focused on her voice and she is really growing in this competition.  She flew under the radar for many weeks and now she’s coming alive when it really matters.  Simon thought she was old fashioned but I feel that she focused on her voice instead of gimmicks.

After they all sang the first song, the judges got a chance to comment.  What the heck is Paula on?  She said that she loved their first song and didn’t really like their second song.  The problem with her comment is that they only sang one song!  Which means, she’s commenting on the rehearsal that she probably saw.  She’s loony.  What is in that cup on her table?  Somebody smell it - QUICK! 

Jason Castro - “September Morn”.  He should be singing “September Bore”.  Again - this competition is way above Jason’s head.  He’s boring and he should have gone home a long time ago.  Unfortunately, Brooke was worse on her first song which could cause her to pack her bags.  I think Jason is banking on his looks and cute, naive personality.  Blah!  At this point of the competition, in the top 5 of American Idol, we should be saying WOW.  Instead, I took a bathroom break during the song because I was bored.  I didn’t hit pause.

David Cooke sang “All I Really Need is You”.  I’ve never heard the song before, but he sure did make it sound like a song that could be on the radio today. With Brooke, I say she should not be holding a guitar while singing.  With David, it works.  And it works well.  For the first 8 weeks of this competition, I didn’t like David.  And, I think I didn’t like him because he was the front runner.  OK, I’ll concede.  He is really a great performer and, so far, he is head and shoulders above the rest.  This performance was better than his first performance. 

Brooke’s second song “I Am, I Said” and she wrote some of the lyrics on her hand for safety because of last week’s debacle.  This performance was MUCH better than her first mess - which reminded me of the Partridge Family.  I’m not sure it was enough to take her to next week, but the voting will tell.  I believed that she really meant the words in this song and I think she sounded great.  If the voters remember her more than Jason Who, then she might have a chance.  Regardless, it will be Brooke and Jason in the bottom two.

David Archuletta sang “America”.  I choreographed my brothers in a lip sync competition with this song.  When I hear this song, I start tapping my feet and I really get jazzed.  I was not impressed with Archuletta’s version and, he squeaked like Peter Brady in the Brady Bunch episode when Peter’s voice was changing.  I also did not feel patriotic in anyway when he was singing.  Amateurish at best.  It didn’t do it for me, but he won’t be in the bottom two.  America won’t let it happen.  It will be the “Battle of the Davids” come the Idol finale.  Randy and Paula loved it.  Simon thinks he picked the song to “tickle the voting boxes” to get more votes.  I don’t think he needed to tickle any boxes because he isn’t going anywhere.

Syesha sang “Thank the Lord for the Night Time”.  Not as good as her first performance, but it was fun.  Very pitchy dawg.  I think she’ll fly under the radar and stick around for one more week.  She really rocked some of those high notes and her range is really amazing.  At first, I didn’t think she should have made it past week 4.  But she has really grown on me.

Have a comment?  Disagree with my opinions.  Let me have it!!  Click on the comment button below and tell me what you think!  Til next time!

Dancing With the Stars - 4/28

Kim Reis

And they danced - two dances last night.  The contestants are really getting better and they are closing in on the front runners (which were Kristy and Mario).  Not to mention, the contestants are really slimming out.  What a diet plan!  Marissa is melting in front of our eyes!  She’s looking great and working so hard.  I think she’s very cute.  Christian de la Fuente suffered an arm injury and it was a little nerve racking as we watched it live.  When he was holding his arm, I was afraid of a heart attack.  He got some very low scores from the judges, but I think voters at home will give him lots of sympathy votes.  Unfortunately, I think he would have been the one voted out this week because I think he’s the weakest dancer on the show.  But now, a better dancer might be packing his/her bags and heading home.  That will most likely be Shannon Elizabeth who has not been a favorite of the judges since the show began.  Here’s my prediction regarding the trip “home”:

This week: Shannon Elizabeth
Next week: Christian
May 12th: Bye bye Mario (I think his cocky attitude will do him in)
May 19th: Adios Jason

This will leave the final two as Marissa and Kristy.  But we’ll see.  Some people don’t like the whiney begging of Marissa.  But, that’s my pick.

By the way - did anyone else see the subliminal messages for “The Mole” during ABC promo breaks?  It was just a flash with a fingerprint that says “The Mole Was Here”.  Weird.  I used to like that show.  Glad to see it’s coming back.  I’ll probably blog about it.

Til next time!

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Idol Shocker!

Kim Reis

What an Idol SHOCKER last night!!!  I guess my Idol guessing streak is over.  Boy - I was on a roll!

The bottom two SHOULD have been Brooke and Jason with Jason going home.  Instead - the bottom two were Syesha and CARLY???!!!  Don’t get me wrong.  Carly wasn’t going to win the whole thing.  But, out of the six singers, it just wasn’t her time.  Obviously, America thought differently and sent her packing.  But, Man DAWG! 

Now it will DEFINITELY be the Battle of the David’s in the final two (Archuletta and Cooke).  Next week, Jason’s gotta go.  Then Syesha and then Brooke.  Leaving D&D to battle it out.

WOW!  Idol never ceases to amaze me.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

American Idol - Top Six

Kim Reis

Idol is already down to the TOP SIX!!!  WOW!  It seems like this season just started. 

Tonight’s theme was Songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber - Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Starlight Express.  I am so excited about tonight because I’m a Broadway Baby.  I worked at PPAC from 2002-2004 and loved it!  Being in a massive theatre when it’s empty gives me chills (with at least one light on the stage of course).  Hearing the cheers from the crowd when the theatre is full is even better.  In my car, I have so many Broadway CD’s.  Les Miserables, Hairspray, Mamma Mia, Starlight Express, Phantom AND MORE!  I know, I’m a nerd! 

Syesha Mercado started us off by singing “One Rock & Roll Too Many” from Starlight Express.  Danger, danger!  First, she started the song too early and was singing off beat from the orchestra.  Second, not many people know that show, so I don’t think she connected with the audience.  But, I felt that she did a great job DAWG.  At this stage in the competition, they have to pick songs that connect with people because I feel like the audience chooses based on their comfort zone.  I think she has a strong career in Broadway theatre when Idol is over.

Jason Castro sang “Memory” from Cats.  I think it’s the wrong song choice - before I even hear him perform.  B-O-R-I-N-G…  Would you like some crackers and cheese with that WHINE??  Holy whiney Batman!  Ick!  Based on that performance, Jason will get to go home and sleep in his own bed tomorrow night.  Randy, let him down easy.  Paula, rambled as usual and no one could understand a single thing she said.  Simon, honest once again and drop kicked Jason into next week.

Brooke White came next with “You Must Love Me” from Evita.  I LOVE the Madonna version of this song.  I blast it in my car and sing it at the top of my lungs.  Thank goodness I’m alone during those moments!  HA!  As Brooke began, I was so excited to hear her version.  I’ve been a fan of Brooke’s.  Brooke started her song and she forgot the words!!!!!!  OK - now I’m speechless!!!  She asked the orchestra to start over!!!  Holy MOLY!!!  I’d say another word besides MOLY, but that wouldn’t be appropriate.  She didn’t put enough emotion into the song - this song needs raw emotion.  I was waiting for the judges to tear her a new one because she forgot her words.  Randy ignored it.  Paula let her down easy.  Simon was amazingly kind.  I was so distracted that she had forgotten her words that I couldn’t focus on the performance.  I think Simon saved her from elimination by saying he would’ve started over too.  Thankfully for Brooke, Jason’s performance was worse.

David Archuletta was next and it started with hugs from teeny boppers.  How bizarre and I felt it was forced because Idol wants him to win.  I feel like they can monetize him and they are pushing hard to keep him in the lead.  David chose “Think of Me” from Phantom.  In Phantom, a woman sings this song as a high soprano, so it was weird for me to hear him sing it because I know that show from top to bottom.  But, in the end, I really liked his version.  Almost had a pop feel and I think he did a nice job.  His friends back home will be missing him for awhile longer because he’s not going anywhere.  No worries.  Judges put him higher on that pedestal.  The booing every time Simon talks is getting old, old, old.

Carly Smithson chose a soft Phantom song first and Andrew Lloyd Webber said NO WAY!  Jesus Christ Superstar suited her big voice much better and I couldn’t wait to hear it!!!  This could be the top performance of the night if she can pull it off.  She looked like she was having a blast on that stage!  I was bopping in my seat, that’s for sure.  She rocked it out!!!  I loved it.  The sixties outfit worked very well.  As I said back in February - she’ll be in the final four.  And this performance helped.

David Cook - another Idol favorite - rounded out the show with “Music of the Night” from Phantom.  Another song I love!!  His performance started very weak.  He doesn’t do well with quiet, low notes.  Not his best performance by far, but he did hit that big “BE” note - impressive.  David would be in the bottom three with this song if he wasn’t such an Idol favorite.  He’ll go through just because he can’t do anything wrong.  But this song was weak by his standards.

Now that I’ve seen all performances - Jason is going home but Brooke will be in the bottom with him.  I’m not sure if there will be two or three called to the stage as the lowest votes.  If there are three bottom dwellers, I have to say that I think it will be Jason, Brooke and Syesha.  I think Brooke will sneak it out because voters will feel bad and they will feel that she recovered nicely.  Syesha will be fine - her performance was strong.  Jason’s song HURT my ears.

I still maintain my final four as David, David, Carly & Brooke.  But Syesha could have a shot if she takes advantage of Brooke’s weaknesses and makes better song choices and keeps improving week after week.  ‘Til tomorrow night BLOGGERS!

Monday, April 21, 2008

Dancing With the Stars - April 21, 2008

Kim Reis

So, earlier today, I made my predictions before the show even began.  I predicted that Christian & Cheryl and Shannon & Derek would be in the bottom two.  Now that I’ve seen the show, I’m in shock.  Cheryl & Christian scored really high by the judges and, I have to admit, they didn’t do half bad.  I was sad to say that Marlee Matlin seemed off-beat.  I’m really hoping she’ll go far, but I think it might be coming to an end for her.  I was thrilled to see that Marissa (Hairspray actress) got two nines.  She was SO CUTE when she saw her judges’ scores.  I wasn’t too impressed with her performance, but the judges felt she did great.  I still feel that Shannon & Derek will be at the bottom and they will go home and I’m afraid that Marlee will be with her.

Kristi Yamaguchi was HOT HOT HOT and I love her!  What a fast dance!!  WOW!  I was tired just watching her!  And, she got a THIRTY from the judges!  HOLY MOLY!!!  That girl’s got it!

Can’t wait for Idol tomorrow night.  Time for bed!

Dancing With the Stars - 4/21/08

Kim Reis

Well - Dancing With the Stars is on again tonight.  I always have time to watch the original show, but I can never tune in for the results show because it conflicts with my precious IDOL!  So, I end up finding out who was voted off on shows like Extra or Access Hollywood.

I think Priscilla went home too early.  Although I don’t think she would’ve won - I do think she was better than a few of the ones who are left.

Before I even see the show tonight - I’m going to go out on a limb and say that the bottom two dancers will be Christian & Cheryl and Shannon & Derek.  I’ll write again later during the show and see if my PRE-predictions are correct. 

My prediction for FINAL TWO in the showdown would be Kristy Yamaguchi and Mario.

If I get this right - I’m going straight to the lottery to play!!!!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

American Idol - Mariah Carey Night

Kim Reis

Mariah Carey was the mentor for the Idols this week.  I think this gives a little bit of an advantage for the girls because I’m sure it’s more difficult for a guy to sing a Mariah song.

David Archuletta lead off with “When You Believe”.  Good song choice, but he really is a bit of a whiner.  And, I’m sick of hearing him sing ballads.  I need him to step it up and impress me.  He’s getting a little boring for me, Dawg.  These slow songs are getting old.  Again, the judges loved it.  He’s the golden child.

Carly Smithson was next.  Last week, she came across as a little angry.  She really needs to appeal to America if she wants to keep making it in this competition.  She chose “Without You”, which is a classic and she sang it beautifully!  I really like Carly’s voice, but her look needs some help from a stylist.  The low notes were warm.  The high notes were powerful and gorgeous.  She was so intense during this song and she had such great control.  And, when it flashed to her tattoo covered boyfriend in the audience - a little odd.  The judges were not high on her performance and Simon didn’t think it was enough to keep her out of the bottom three this week.  He said it was “just OK”.  Hmmm?  We differ…again.

Syesha was next in line with “Your Fantasy”.  I know a lot of Mariah songs, but I’ve never heard this one on PRO FM.  What obscure album was this song on??  I thought it was alright and enough to keep her in for another week.  But, it was full of lots of OH OH WHOA OH’s.  Not much substance and I don’t love songs that have lots of runs.  And, one of her friends in the audience was shaking his head like a crazy person at the end of the song, which caused his cheeks to go a little nuts.  What was that all about???  Sorry - I went off topic.  The judges enjoyed her performance and I also thought she did do a nice job. 

Brooke White missed her sister’s wedding because of Idol.  And, although she’s thrilled to be on the show, she was very sad about missing her sister’s big day.  Brooke sang “Hero” - very pretty song which was also a song on my honeymoon video.  This song makes me remember the day that I married my best friend, so I may be a little jaded on Brooke’s performance because I was too busy reminiscing about my own beautiful wedding day back in 1995.  But, I really loved Brook’s performance and it was clean, crisp and beautiful.  No runs - no fancy WHOA’s or OH’s.  Strong performance if you ask me.  I think it was enough to keep her here another week.  She also picked a song that everyone knows and I’m sure that won’t hurt when it comes to collecting votes.  I also like her raspy tone with some of the higher notes.  She hiccuped a little on the piano and I think she hides behind the piano or other instrument sometimes.  The judges were a little tough on her, but I don’t think she’s going home next week.

The contest is becoming more and more difficult as the weeks go on.  Everyone is strong and it’s harder and harder to figure out which ones will be in the bottom three.  We’re half way through the contestants and I still don’t have a clear underdog.  After I hear them all, I’ll make my best guess-timate.

OK.  I spoke too soon.  Kristy Lee Cook came up fifth with “Forever”.  This will be very tough for her because her voice is not the strongest.  Mariah told Kristy that she “got goosebumps” when she was practicing the song.  Yeah - goosebumps because she was butchering the song.  She’s a very beautiful young woman and she can definitely sing better than me - but I think this is the end of the road for little Kristy Lee.  She naturally falls into the country genre like a round peg in a round hole.  Falling into the Mariah genre is like a square peg trying to fit into the same round hole.  It just doesn’t work.  Buh bye little Kristy.  You had a nice run.  And, think of the bright side.  You get to go on the national tour because you made it into the top 12.  Randy Dawg had nice things to say.  Paula said she could have a hit with the song.  Oh please.  Although he didn’t tear her apart, Simon was the only honest one.

David Cook chose “Always Be My Baby” and gave it a rock flare which was very different when compared to its pop version.  I thought it was a little pitchy dawg.  Seriously dawg.  It was a little pitchy at the beginning.  It was a cool version though and he’s a very talented guy.  But I don’t find him too personable, which I think will continue to turn off the older voters in America.  The end sounded much better as he started to let go.  The lower note range is not his friend.  Not his best performance, but not bad enough to send him home.  Randy gave him a standing “O”.  Paula was beaming from ear to ear and totally loved him.  Simon called him a “breath of fresh air.  Original, daring, risky, great”. 

Jason Castro sang “I Don’t Wanna Cry”.  He’s a unique guy with a unique sound, but I think the falsetto innocent boy sound will get old for voters as we get down the wire.  I think he will be in the bottom three this week.  His weird luau sound can only get him so far in this competition.  I think his time is near.  But, oddly, Simon liked his performance.  Just when I think I’ve figured him out, he says something like that about Jason!  Jason is not long for this world, although he’s a cute guy.  A little odd, but cute.

My pick for the bottom three this week will be Syesha, Kristy Lee and Jason with Kristy Lee Cook going home.  She had a good run, but I think it’s the end of the road for her this week.  I still maintain that the final four will be:  David Cook, David Archuletta, Carly Smithson & Brooke White. 

Biggest Loser Finale 2008

Kim Reis

Sing along with me: “What have you done today to make you feel proud?  It’s never too late to try.  What have you done today to make you feel proud, yeah?“

In the first five minutes of tonight’s finale, they announced that Roger was picked by America to go on to the final weigh-in with the chance to win $250,000.  Mark was eliminated, which does not bode well for Ali.  I really would love to see Ali win it all.  I’ve grown to like her, even though I didn’t really like her at the beginning of the season.  But it would be so cool to see a woman win it all.

I felt like Mark all night!!!!  I kept crying through tonight’s entire episode.  As I saw the contestants step out on the stage in transformed bodies, it was amazing.  As I sit on the couch and try to guess each contestant’s final weight, I think about how hard they worked to get to this point.  I really thought it would be between Dan and Mark to win the $100k.  I couldn’t believe that Bernie came down the end with Mark and won by ONE POUND!!!!  As Bob said earlier this year, this season was the season of ONE POUND.  Some people were eliminated by one pound.  Some people won by one pound.  That’s just plain crazy!!!  And, yes - you guessed it.  Bernie cried when he won the $100k.  UGH!  The tears were out of control this season! 

Kim’s random thought: I wonder if any of the contestants will get their excess skin fixed?  I mean, some of those chests were rather, um, large.  And, how did Ali lose all of that weight with NO extra skin?  Either she wears some serious girdles or she’s just plain amazing.  I lost 125 lbs.  Before I lost the weight, I was 46 Double D - now I’m a 34 LOOOOONG!  How do some of these people lose all this weight and not have extra skin????

Ali, Kelly and Roger - the final three contestants.  I’m hoping for Ali, but Roger had a lot more to lose.  I don’t think Kelly has a chance, but she really beat the odds.  She was below the yellow line so many times and odds say she should have gone home.  But she pushed through and should be proud of herself.  She looked H-O-T tonight!  I hope Ali wins it all!!!  When Ali went home in the stretch limo to see her family after spending time at The Ranch, I was bawling like a blubbering idiot.  It was so moving.  This season should have been titled, “The Season of Wimps and Crying”.

When Kelly went home, it felt uncomfortable.  And, Kelly definitely didn’t like that everyone was staring at her.  She even said, “Let’s EAT!“  That was rather odd.  When Roger went home, he was greeted by his wife and his son.  I thought, “How odd.  No party.“  But then, he went to a party and I was like, “Whew!“

The commercial breaks are driving my son nuts!  HA HA HA!  He’s like: “Just get on the darn scale already and let’s get it over with!“ Being someone who makes a living from advertising revenue, I understand why the commercials are important.  But we’re all chomping at the bit to find out who will win the $250k and title of The Biggest Loser.

Roger weighed in first, losing 164 pounds = 45.18% of weight loss.  His final weight was 199 lbs.  WOWEE!

It’s still anyone’s game.  But, it’s time for another FREAKIN’ commercial!!!!!

Kelly weighed in second, losing 109 pounds = 40.22% of weight loss.  What a HUGE achievement, ending at 162 lbs.

And, Ali’s turn.  She weighed 135 lbs her last day on the ranch.  I’m not sure that she had much more left on that tiny body to lose.  At the finale, she lost—oh yea.  Wait for another commercial break.  I think my children are going to start throwing things at the TV.  HA HA HA HA!!!  NBC sure is making a killing on commercial revenue during this finale!!

OK - we’re back.  Ali stepped on the scale.  The numbers beeped up and down.  She had to lose more than 105 lbs which means she had to lose another 6 pounds since she left the ranch.  She started at 234 lbs when she started on the ranch the first week.  Amazingly, she lost 112 pounds and was crowned the first FEMALE BIGGEST LOSER!!!  YAHOO!  Represent for the ladies, baby!!!!

T-Minus 4.5 Hours and Counting

Kim Reis

The Biggest Loser FINALE is on TONIGHT at 8pm on NBC10!!!!  It’s 4.5 hours away and I can’t wait to see what happens.  My family has a date with a couch, a blanket, a bowl of popcorn and a TV tonight!!!

Friday, April 11, 2008

Voting Closed for Biggest Loser

Kim Reis

So, this week, Biggest Loser gave us a TWIST.  They allowed us, the viewers, to vote someone out.  We were allowed to vote up to 100 times on NBC.com.  It was between Mark and Roger (who were both under the yellow line).  At first, I started to vote out Mark - because I REALLY REALLY don’t like him - ever since the challenge where he screamed at his brother like a lunatic.  After a few votes, I realized that the girls have a better chance of winning against Mark than Roger because Mark doesn’t have much to lose.  So, I changed course and started voting out Roger instead.  I really want a woman to take it.  I don’t think Kelly has a chance - but Ali.  Now she could be the ONE!!  We find out next Tuesday on NBC10 beginning at 8pm.  BE THERE!

Michael OUT on Idol!

Kim Reis

Well - I was right.  Michael went “ADIOS” this week.  I went 2 for 3 in the bottom three.  I chose Syesha, JASON and Michael.  Jason squeaked by,  but I don’t think he’s long for this world.  I still maintain that the final four will be:  David Cook, David Archuletta, Carly Smithson & Brooke White.  We’ll see how next week plays out.  Until then - TA TA!

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Hell’s Kitchen - Week 2

Kim Reis

The girls beat the boys last week and now both sides are out to kick some Hell’s Kitchen butt this week.  Chef Ramsey made them dig through wasted produce in the back alley to show them the thousands of dollars they wasted by messing up the previous night’s service.  I think I’m going to do that to my kids to show them how much they waste in our house on a daily basis.

Some of these contestants started strong and Ramsey sure knows how to break a person.  Petrozza really looked like an idiot.  His family must be proud.  The guy couldn’t even remember a few items from the menu, even after a second chance.

Two of the contestants were chosen to be servers.  The male server brought an order to the kitchen rather quickly.  The women’s kitchen were hangin’ around, waiting for an order for an eternity.  Not sure what took her so long to take an order?

I’ve never worked in a kitchen, so I’m really not a good person to judge them on their strengths/weaknesses.  The only thing I’ve ever done was work as a bus girl at Pub Dennis in Warren, RI in 1989.  The restaurant is no longer there, but it was located where Tuscan Tavern is now.  (That’s so RI - take a left where Almac’s USED to be).  I’ve never been a waitress either, but I think I’d be good at it.  I hate when a waiter/waitress comes to the table to take our order and they don’t write it down.  I’m QUEEN of the exceptions when I order from a restaurant (XYZ sandwich, no onions, plain bun instead of sesame, extra cheese, well done).  If my server doesn’t write it down, 9 times out of 10 they get it wrong.  I hate that!

I digress…An hour into dinner service and no entrees had left either kitchen.  The guys were too busy fighting and the girls were a mess.  Once the entrees started going out (2 hours later) the customers raved about the taste at least.  A long time to wait, but they said it was delish.  Some customers didn’t get a meal at all because Ramsey SHUT IT DOWN!  He was quite annoyed.  I could tell because there were lots of BEEPS and blurred mouths.

Ladies lost - men won (barely).  They were the “best of the worst”.  Corey was named the top for the women and she had to pick two losers to be voted off.  She chose Christina and Jen - two of the strongest players on the team.  Ramsey was clearly annoyed.  Corey chose these two women because they are threats to her, but she claims that she picked them because they are degrading.  I think Corey was afraid that they would beat her in the end.

Ramsey saw right through it and he chose Sharon (AKA “Barbie”) to leave Hell’s Kitchen.  He did not take Corey’s recommendations and I don’t think she expected that.  Corey better prove herself next week because Ramsey will be watching her closely.  And now, Christina & Jen are gunning for Corey.

See you next week!!

American Idol - Top Eight

Kim Reis

American Idol is down the top eight and the pressure is on.  Song choices were inspirational. Tomorrow night is the “Idol Gives Back” episode.  Although it’s a nice fundraiser, it surely was a “sleeper” last year.  YAWN…

Michael Johns was first and he hasn’t been my favorite this season.  I thought his performance was really quite good and I was surprised at how Randy thought it was bad.  And then, Paula tried to make some nice comments about the performance and compared his singing to her chihuahua.  WHAT??!!  She’s just out there in la la land somewhere.  She actually thought her comment was a compliment.  Oh dear.

Syesha sounded FAB!!!  Again - she hasn’t been my favorite, but holy moly!!  When she hit that last note, I got chills.  Big song - Fantasia song.  Randy must have gotten into a fight with his “woman” before the show because he was so negative.  He needs to go back to the dawg pound.

Jason, Jason, Jason.  No, no, no.  The weird Hawaiian “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” was really weird.  Depending on how the others do, this could be Jason’s last week.  They did a wide shot of the audience and the looks on their faces were priceless.  They were all staring at him with this look on their faces like “What the heck is that?“  My cat was sitting on the bed cleaning herself and, when he started singing, she stopped and stared at the TV set with a look of oddity.  Bizarre….  But the judges loved him.  Am I in the twilight zone???

Kristy Lee - the country star wanna be.  She’s like the “Little Engine That Could”.  She stays, week after week, and continues to get stronger.  She was one of the weakest singers from the beginning and she really has improved nicely. Still not the strongest, but man, she has gotten better.  She’s in the bottom three every week and somehow, she pulls through.  Nice song choice for her this week and she really owned the stage.  And, she FINALLY got a compliment from Simon.

David Cook - YAWN.  Not his best.  Not memorable for me.  What was up with the white jacket?  Straight out of the 80s.  Almost looked like a woman’s jacket.  Not my favorite performance so far. 

Carly Smithson was next.  I think she was trying to sound sexy, but I felt it was a little bit angry.  Her outfit was hot. Grandma won’t be voting for Carly after that song, but I think the 20-somethings will.  She’ll be around another week after that performance.  Sounded strong and she owned it DAWG.  The strobe lights were cool too!  I couldn’t believe Simon used the word ANGRY.  That’s exactly what I was thinking.  Am I the next Simon Cowell??  HA HA HA!  But he said he’s going to be in trouble after that song and, although she might be in the bottom three, I think she’ll stick around.

David Archuleta - the golden child of Idol.  I don’t know why I don’t like him.  Maybe it’s because so many people rave about him and I prefer under-dogs. I think he sounds a little whiney when he sings, but the judges love him - week after week.  Was he really playing the piano or was it just a prop?  P.S. The puffs of dry ice smoke behind him was very distracting.

Poor Brooke.  The judges always give her a hard time and I really like her.  I feel like she comes out and sings her heart out.  Not gimmicks, no weird renditions.  She just sings, purely.  I loved the song but I fear that she might be in trouble this week because the judges are going to rip her apart.  “You’ve Got a Friend” is one of those songs I play loud in the car when I need a good cry.  I sing it at the top of my lungs (off key of course) and I think about all my great friends in my life.  I really loved that song, but I’m afraid it wasn’t memorable.  I really like Brooke - A LOT!  And, yes, she cried….AGAIN. 

Bottom three this week:  Jason, Brooke, Michael with Michael going BUH BYE.  That’s my pick.  We’ll see how it turns out on Thursday.

Biggest Loser - Almost DONE!

Kim Reis

According to Jillian in an interview on NBC.com, tonight (April 8th) brings a huge twist on Biggest Loser and she’s not too happy about it.  She also doesn’t think she’s been tough this year.  She cried this year!!  I mean, that’s so NOT Jillian!!

This is the last episode before next week’s LIVE finale.  I’m so excited and nervous!!  I still don’t like Mark and I still think he’s a jerk.  But he’s trying to be “softer” by crying all the time.  Oh please.  Stop your blubbering!  Althought I don’t like Mark, I do think it’s going to come down to Mark and Ali in the final two.  Kelly doesn’t have a chance and Roger’s losing streak has slowed WAY down.

We’ll see the twist tonight, starting at 8pm on NBC10, WJAR!!