Live Idol: Bad lighting and tears galore!
Hey, American Idol fans! It's Stephanie Hayes. Or as Sean Daly (pictured left) claims, the less-edgy face double to Idol's biker nurse Amanda Overmyer. But I dunno.
Tonight is pivotal. Eager young singers will try to maintain their last shred of sanity. Their final flicker of rational thought. Their lingering layer of cheap, runny mascara.
In a fluorescent room with the warm fuzzies of a 1939 Bangkok execution chamber, our hopefuls will confront the Star Chamber of Simon, Randy and Paula for a spot in the top 24. Many will cry while slumped against the elevator wall, even though they KNOW there is a Sony handycam jerryrigged in the corner.
Expect commercial teases featuring sobby singers. Are they tears of joy? Tears of sorrow? Did someone slice an onion? Or did Josiah "HEY, DID I MENTION I LIVE IN MY CAR?" Leming narrowly miss burrito hour at craft services, sending him into a downtrodden spiral of blue? Tune in after the break!
It's gonna be good TV, folks. For me, at least. Because unlike some people *coughSeanDalycough*, I don't like my surprises TOTALLY HIJACKED. I saw some of the final 24 that Daly so mercilessly posted WITHOUT a spoiler alert yesterday. But I scrolled away quickly, childlike sense of wonder in tact.
Live chat starts tonight at 8 p.m., right here in the comments section! I'll be leading the way, but SD and Spears will pop in between baby feedings and bites of MexiMelt to soothe you with their sweet, sweet commentary. It's gonna be bananas!
photo: AP
Sean Daly is the pop music critic for the St. Petersburg Times. His CD collection -- from Journey to Dylan, Prince to U2, Public Enemy to Stan Getz -- is much bigger and better than yours.
I wish I could join in tonight, but I will be out until after Idol is over. Maybe I'll leave some late night comments after I watch the tape I'll be recording.
Posted by: Bassnote | February 13, 2008 at 06:37 PM
Wow, Stephanie, you already chased away Bassnote. That's not easy. That's like chasing away Lassie. You're off to a great start, Super Secret Best Friend.
(Bites of MexiMelt. That's pretty good.)
Posted by: Sean Daly | February 13, 2008 at 07:20 PM
If I can tackle the kid, and gain control of my remote I'll be around.
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 07:24 PM
I'll have you know there were no MexiMelts tonight, thanks to the Chipolte Grille burrito-fest that Daly and I engaged in (or should I say engorged in?) this afternoon.
But all other stimulants are fair game.
Posted by: Spears | February 13, 2008 at 07:28 PM
It makes me extremely uneasy, Spears, when you write "Daly and I" and "engorged" in the same sentence. In fact, I'm not too crazy about "burrito-fest," either.
Posted by: Sean Daly | February 13, 2008 at 07:41 PM
I'll be around! It's been a long day -- you know when AI is the light at the end of the tunnel, it's a sad state of affairs. The kiddo is well on his way to bed and there's a wine cooler (yes, Mr. Spears, I said wine cooler) or three with my name on it.
And Chipotle -- nice, gentlemen. Them's some serious burritos.
Posted by: jane | February 13, 2008 at 07:45 PM
Back from a rock star trip to the grocery store, and ready to party! Bring on Simon and his moobs. Brriiing it.
Posted by: Stephanie Hayes | February 13, 2008 at 07:49 PM
Ooh, Hayden Christensen. He's adorable. Too bad his acting is a steaming pile of poo.
Posted by: Stephanie Hayes | February 13, 2008 at 08:01 PM
Please, AI stylists, take Carly's yellow eyeshadow away... and be quiet, Paula.
Posted by: jane | February 13, 2008 at 08:09 PM
I didn't remember a single one of those people until Irish Carly with the blue tongue.
They were mean to her drawing it out so long. I thought her eyes were going to pop out.
Am I talking to myself here?
Posted by: Stephanie Hayes | February 13, 2008 at 08:09 PM
Yay, Jane!
Posted by: Stephanie Hayes | February 13, 2008 at 08:09 PM
That was quite a parade of "who-the-hell-are-you-goodbye" folks -- I'd never seen (or remembered) any of them.
And I loved the fact that the other wannabes in the holding pen seemed so genuinely happy that Carly made it through. I'm a sucker for that sort of thing.
Posted by: jane | February 13, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Steph, I agree on Hayden 110 %! Keep up the good work.
Gotta go back to my presentation due for tomorrow.
Bye!
Posted by: Al | February 13, 2008 at 08:12 PM
I think it would have been better if the hid the camera in the elevator. Imagine the reactions they would have gotten if they didn't know they were being taped.
And what is up with Paula's librarian ensemble.
Posted by: sparky | February 13, 2008 at 08:13 PM
So Steph -- what did you think of Carly's yellow eyeshadow? With her skin tone, it just doesn't work for me -- and I was more distracted by it than her blue tongue.
Posted by: jane | February 13, 2008 at 08:13 PM
How ticked would you be if you made it all the way to top 50 on American Idol, and you got, like, five seconds of screen time? You can't even get a pity record deal that way.
Posted by: Stephanie Hayes | February 13, 2008 at 08:13 PM
Brilliant Idol maneuver. Paula terrorizes Carly Smithson into a blue-tongued mop of tears just so we'd root for her. And you know what? It worked.
I'm also now rooting for Michael Lee Johns because he had a giant pile of bacon on his breakfast plate. That's basically how I make most of my decisions about people.
Posted by: Sean Daly | February 13, 2008 at 08:14 PM
P.S. Steph's waaaaay prettier than the rock nurse character. I don't watch American Idol, but I'm pretty confident in my choosing-who's-smoking-hot abilities.
Posted by: Al | February 13, 2008 at 08:15 PM
Yeah, the eyeshadow was pretty heinous. I can't wait until they get to the portion of the show where stylists are involved.
Yay, my evil twin made it through!
Posted by: | February 13, 2008 at 08:15 PM
I'm rooting for Michael Lee Johns as well -- but for reasons even more shallow than a honkin' pile of breakfast pork on his plate.
Posted by: jane | February 13, 2008 at 08:16 PM
Honey, I'm home.
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 08:16 PM
Dangit, I hate when the blogging crap signs me out! ARGH.
Hey, Marissa!
Posted by: Stephanie Hayes | February 13, 2008 at 08:18 PM
The world doesn't need another Janis Joplin wannabe. Just sayin.
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 08:18 PM
So is Josiah (I live in the Topaz Hilton) going to make it. And who is this year's major dirt going to be revealed on as soon as tomorrow.
Posted by: sparky | February 13, 2008 at 08:18 PM
I'm thinkin' one of the chicks who looks like she'd smell funny and feel sticky.
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 08:19 PM
What happened to the guy who kept his fingernails in a bag? Did he get the boot?
Posted by: Stephanie Hayes | February 13, 2008 at 08:20 PM
I like the reverse skunk looking nurse. I think she has a good chance until Barry Manilow week.
Posted by: sparky | February 13, 2008 at 08:20 PM
He is comparing his collection with my freshman year roommate's collection of bellybutton lint.
Posted by: sparky | February 13, 2008 at 08:22 PM
Spearsy in the house. But sadly probably 5 minutes behind and watching on Tivo.
Posted by: Steve Spears | February 13, 2008 at 08:23 PM
I think Fingernail Freddy musta gotten the boot, because we certainly would have seen him and his bag again (thanks, Fox!)
Posted by: jane | February 13, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Kristy Lee needs a new trick. Amazing Grace gets old quick.
Posted by: Stephanie Hayes | February 13, 2008 at 08:24 PM
Did anyone ever figure out the blue-tongue phenomenon?
Posted by: Steve Spears | February 13, 2008 at 08:24 PM
Kristy Lee will hang around for a while at least. She will be this years Haley.
Posted by: sparky | February 13, 2008 at 08:25 PM
Blue tongue? She's the lizard queen?
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 08:26 PM
Maybe she did something with a smurf.
Posted by: sparky | February 13, 2008 at 08:27 PM
Hey, gang! Well, Sean's milk has finally come in and while he's breastfeeding our Divine Miss M I have a minute to break away and join the Idol chatter.
To be honest, I haven't paid much attention to Idol this season. The reason? It's either the crazy lack of sleep over the last two weeks or the rapidly disappearing bottle of pain killers! Who knows! But here are some thoughts in no particular order.....
Amanda Overmyer desperately needs to run a brush through her hair...Paula is a twit...Kristy Lee Cook needs to learn more than one song, I'm bored....I should be rooting for the geek, David Archuleta, but I just can't...is that wrong?....I'm so tired....Randy annoys me...I'm so tired!
Posted by: Forever Fiancee | February 13, 2008 at 08:27 PM
My guess is it's some kind of lozenge for their voices... either that or there is a big bowl of blue Jolly Ranchers backstage placed by some evil P.A.
Posted by: Stephanie Hayes | February 13, 2008 at 08:27 PM
Oh my, my, my! I stills wear that Noriega kid looks like Miley Cyrus in boy drag.
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 08:27 PM
I'm so glad I wasn't drinking anything when I read FF's post. Sean's milk finally came in. BWAHAHAHAHAHA
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 08:29 PM
Hey FF, Deep Creek awaits.
Posted by: sparky | February 13, 2008 at 08:29 PM
FF! Super big congrats on Maya! Here's hoping there are at least a couple naps and pedicures and massages in your future.
Posted by: Stephanie Hayes | February 13, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Next commercial break, check the Stuck in the 80s blog -- blogs.tampabay.com/80s.
I just launched my list of 25 best "love sucks" songs of the 80s. I can always use more reader recommendations.
Posted by: Steve Spears | February 13, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Groovy! Maybe I'll go over and check it out, Steve. I gotta see what's on there.
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 08:31 PM
Resist the Dance of the Seven Buttons, the Hover and the Wolf Mask.
Posted by: sparky | February 13, 2008 at 08:31 PM
Stop trying to snipe readers, Spearsy!
Posted by: Stephanie Hayes | February 13, 2008 at 08:32 PM
FF -- no more calling me Sean's "work wife!" With his freakish lack of body hair -- and my carnival-like surplus -- surely he's the wife figure here.
Posted by: Steve Spears | February 13, 2008 at 08:33 PM
...and stop calling him surely.
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 08:35 PM
Spears, you effer. That's the second night in a row you've hijacked this chat for your '80s BS.
Posted by: Sean Daly | February 13, 2008 at 08:35 PM
Hey, that guy is kinda cute. I think I dated him ... in a fantasy life I concocted.
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 08:36 PM
Sean, dont' worry. We (I) always come back.
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 08:37 PM
It's just a small commercial interruption. You know that nobody besides Marissa is actually going to check out my blog.
Posted by: Steve Spears | February 13, 2008 at 08:38 PM
S-YES-HA. Lame.
My boyfriend just quipped, "It would suck if your name was John No-No."
Posted by: Stephanie Hayes | February 13, 2008 at 08:38 PM
What Boy Band was Robbie in. I never heard of this D-bag.
Posted by: sparky | February 13, 2008 at 08:38 PM
FF! How I remember those days of no sleep well -- great commentary.
And Danny Noriega has Liza Minelli's hairstyle, circa 1975.
Posted by: jane | February 13, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Damnit! Am I that freakin' predictable?
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Spearsy, you do suck I already added to your blog.
Posted by: sparky | February 13, 2008 at 08:39 PM
I love all the posers who pretend to be happy when they're rejected.
Posted by: Steve Spears | February 13, 2008 at 08:41 PM
Jane, great suggestion with THE BREAK UP SONG by the Greg Kihn Band.
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 08:41 PM
That wasn't Jane, Ris it was me.
Posted by: sparky | February 13, 2008 at 08:42 PM
Where's the token chubster this year? Where's the chunky-but-funky singer I can relate to? Chris Sligh, Ruben, LaKisha, my future third ex-wife Mandisa. It's much easier eating a tub of ice cream during Idol if someone on TV is bigger than I am.
Posted by: Sean Daly | February 13, 2008 at 08:42 PM
Oops, Sorry Sparky! I was looking quick like.
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 08:43 PM
Who? Who? Who? Who are these people who keep going through?
Posted by: Stephanie Hayes | February 13, 2008 at 08:43 PM
Yeah, Miss Riss -- the Break Up Song was sparky's two-cents. But mine are equally depressing.
Posted by: jane | February 13, 2008 at 08:45 PM
I know my Greg Kihn. Have them all on vinyl.
Posted by: sparky | February 13, 2008 at 08:45 PM
vocal gymnastics did that dude in
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 08:45 PM
Why does the American Idol building look like Wolfgang Amadeus' birth home?
Posted by: Steve Spears | February 13, 2008 at 08:46 PM
That's a song I would have suggested,Sparky.
My fave is GnR "Used to Love Her"
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 08:46 PM
Here comes the Josiah train wreck.
Posted by: sparky | February 13, 2008 at 08:47 PM
Josiah is a twerp. He needs to get over himself.
Posted by: Stephanie Hayes | February 13, 2008 at 08:47 PM
Sean -- any other lust objects for you this year besides Goth Nurse?
Posted by: Steve Spears | February 13, 2008 at 08:47 PM
Back to the Topaz.
Posted by: sparky | February 13, 2008 at 08:48 PM
WOW! But I totally thought he was going to go through. WOWWOWWOW! I'm gobsmacked. But pleased, fo sho.
Posted by: Stephanie Hayes | February 13, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Big boys don't cry... big boys don't cry.
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 08:49 PM
Maybe Josiah could duet with William Hung.
Posted by: sparky | February 13, 2008 at 08:49 PM
He's gonna load up on the chow before he departs... out he goes with the Crock Pot.
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 08:50 PM
Whoa, I see a big girl! Awesome!
Posted by: Sean Daly | February 13, 2008 at 08:50 PM
Thank goodness Crying Josiah is gone -- he was already working my one last nerve and I could totally see him going the Sanjaya fan route. It's on the road again for you, dude.
Posted by: jane | February 13, 2008 at 08:51 PM
Haha. Right? Slipping a salmon into his shirt like Dan Aykroyd in Trading Places.
Posted by: Stephanie Hayes | February 13, 2008 at 08:51 PM
Who the hell was the guy (who cried) with the frosted tip bangs? I've never seen him before in my life -- and whooosh... he's through.
Posted by: jane | February 13, 2008 at 08:52 PM
"all I need is this crock pot..and this plate of cheese... and this stool.. and this shoe.."
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 08:53 PM
I think Mr. President Kyle is totally taking the Sanjaya/Kevin Covais spot this season.
Posted by: Stephanie Hayes | February 13, 2008 at 08:53 PM
This is freaky: The second Josiah was voted off, a car alarm went off in my neighborhood. No, really.
Just like in It's a Wonderful Life. "Every time a bell rings, a kid with Cousin Oliver's hair gets booted from Idol."
Posted by: Sean Daly | February 13, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Sean, your meaty sweetie is sure to make it through.
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Kyle HAS to stick around for a while so I can get maximum usage out of his "have you ever had deer jerky" line in social situations
Posted by: Sherrie | February 13, 2008 at 08:54 PM
Did Kyle get lost on his way to a debate meet?
Posted by: Steve Spears | February 13, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Wow Simon wanted Kyle.
Posted by: sparky | February 13, 2008 at 08:56 PM
WOW!! I am wrong about everything. Kyle is so outie! Dang. My radar is off.
Posted by: Stephanie Hayes | February 13, 2008 at 08:56 PM
Oh jeez! Paula needs to rub her breasteses on young men every season!
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 08:57 PM
That guy has to be upset that Simon told him that he wasn't his pick.
Posted by: sparky | February 13, 2008 at 08:57 PM
Sean likes to use the "have you ever jerked a deer?" line. It's not as effective.
Posted by: Steve Spears | February 13, 2008 at 08:58 PM
Thank goodness The Sanjaya Affair taught the producers a lesson -- Kyle was SO headed down that road. He's a nice guy, but...
Posted by: jane | February 13, 2008 at 08:58 PM
What was up with the chicken dance.
Posted by: sparky | February 13, 2008 at 08:59 PM
That Carly or whatever is already adopting the Haley Scarnato trick of 'shorty shorts'
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Understandable, that version would be less effective. It's a fine line between wild game foodstuffs and be*stiality (dang spam filter!).
Posted by: Sherrie | February 13, 2008 at 09:00 PM
YEAH! Joanne is THROUGH!
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Cardin was totally bland. Yay, plus sized model!
Posted by: Stephanie Hayes | February 13, 2008 at 09:01 PM
YES!!!!!!!!!
Plus-size model Joanne Borgella, make yourself at home in my heart.
Posted by: Sean Daly | February 13, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Damn, that Joanne is a gorgeous woman. I should have such skin. And yay! She's through!
Posted by: jane | February 13, 2008 at 09:02 PM
Where is the MAN CANDY?! Argh!
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 09:03 PM
So does Josiah end up doing the late show circuit?
And why does that Garret guy look like a young Leif Garrett
Posted by: sparky | February 13, 2008 at 09:03 PM
I'm feeling underwhelmed by this crew, gotta say. A coupla standouts, but overall, pretty forgettable. We'll see how it goes.
Posted by: Stephanie Hayes | February 13, 2008 at 09:04 PM
I don't know, but colton needs his lashes and brows dyed. He's got that almost albino thing going on.
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 09:05 PM
I agree Marissa- these guys are more Taylor Hicks than Ace Young.
Posted by: Sherrie | February 13, 2008 at 09:05 PM
Who in the hell is Garrett Haley? Did that guy hack into Idol and photoshop himself into the Top 24? Seriously, have we seen that dude before?
Posted by: Sean Daly | February 13, 2008 at 09:05 PM
Nobody answered my question about what Boy Band Robbie Caraco was in? I never heard of the guy before. But I remember him saying he was in a boy band.
Posted by: sparky | February 13, 2008 at 09:06 PM
I want candy... I want candy.
I am serious,though. If I'm going to suffer through weeks of them being forced to sing songs they wouldn't normally touch with a ten foot pole, I want something hot to gaze upon.
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 09:06 PM
Is he the one with blond blog on his head, Sean?
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 09:07 PM
i meant BLOB
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 09:07 PM
Garrett made it through on the merits of his spiral permed bangs. Astounding, I say.
But seriously, you're right. There are about five or six people in that group I have totally no recollection of.
Posted by: Stephanie Hayes | February 13, 2008 at 09:08 PM
Ris, tape a picture of Ace on your TV and pretend.
Posted by: sparky | February 13, 2008 at 09:08 PM
Garrett Haley totally looks like one of my regular babysitters -- that is gonna freak me out as long as he's in the competition.
Man candy: I saw two pieces. The aforementioned Michael Johns and Luke Menard. YMMV.
Posted by: jane | February 13, 2008 at 09:09 PM
Great job on the chat, Stephanie Hayes. (You broke the 100 mark!!! What did I tell you?) The job of snarky Idol hostess is yours whenever you want it.
Posted by: Sean Daly | February 13, 2008 at 09:09 PM
Honestly, though, there hasn't been any man candy for me on this bloody show since Bo Bice and his Amazing Leather Pants. Hmmm.
Posted by: jane | February 13, 2008 at 09:11 PM
And now the fun really begins. Have they revealed who the guest vocal *cough* coaches will be?
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 09:11 PM
I only watched the tail end during the Bo Bice season. I didn't mind listening to him, but looking at him was painful. That hair! Ech!
I'm more of a clean cut lovin' gal.
Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2008 at 09:13 PM
I like Bo, but strictly in a musical sense. His hair was better than mine, which doesn't sit well with me.
Ace was pretty, but.. you know... too pretty. And a bit vapid.
Posted by: | February 13, 2008 at 09:15 PM
Bo is actually the total opposite of the type I always go for -- completely. But when he and his leather pants came out and sang "Whipping Post" (the first time anything quite like that had been done before on the AI stage) I was in love. Very golden rock sex god.
Posted by: jane | February 13, 2008 at 09:16 PM
Is it too early to start assigning snarky nicknames?
I can't decide which way to go with Amanda Overmyer:
"RnR RN" or "Florence Nightenmare"?
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | February 14, 2008 at 01:58 PM
And is Carly the first person to appear on AI AFTER releasing an album on a major label?
http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-High-Carly-Hennessy/dp/B00005RGNL/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | February 14, 2008 at 01:59 PM