QUICKIE IDOL RECAP: More Doinkings!
I really enjoy American Idol's vote-off shows. And not just for the obvious reason of watching young people getting their dreams crushed. There's a certain soul-cleansing as Ryan Seacrest slyly dispatches each talent-averse tear factory. My week suddenly feels unburdened by a certain warbly weight. I dunno. Maybe that's just me.
On Thursday, four more singers were eliminated, bringing the tally to a still-flabby 16. Next Thursday, we'll have our Top 12. And then, thankfully, hopefully, we'll go down to two shows a week.
As for tonight, I predicted that Amanda Overmyer and Kady Malloy, and Luke Menard and Jason Yeager would be going home.
Was I correct? Not really...
GOODBYE #1: JASON YEAGER: Yep, that ridiculous skunk-stripe sign of solidarity with Amanda Overmyer really did the trick. Jason can now go back to stealing my high-school girlfriend and making fun of me in gym class. Serves you right, you handsome SOB.
GOODBYE #2: ALEXANDREA LUSHINGTON: You're never a loser with the last name of Lushington. However, you are a loser if you sob like David Archuleta.
GOODBYE #3: ALAINA WHITAKER: "I can't sing!" Wow, that was good television. Plus her weepy rendition of "Hopelessly Devoted to You" was better than her dry-eyed one. In related news, I hope Danny Noriega never watches "Old Yeller."
GOODBYE #4: ROBBIE CARRICO: Like I always say, if you're gonna go out, go out while wearing an oversized skull T-shirt that essentially sealed your deathly fate the second you pulled it on. "American Idol" loooves irony, dude.
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.
THIS WEEK'S SHOW: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers rock Tampa Bay. To hear the latest "Stuck in the 80s" episode now, 
It looks like I'll be sitting home banging on the "refresh" button, because it's the only way I'm going to know who's getting the boot.
So be prompt with your posts and don't leave me hangin'!
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | February 28, 2008 at 03:40 PM
HA! I quick-read "doinkings" in the headline as "drinking." Both are applicable for tonight, I do believe.
And Jeff, we here in the trenches will do our level best to make sure we're as prompt as possible with the results information. Even with doinking and drinking on the agenda.
Posted by: jane | February 28, 2008 at 04:05 PM
No way is Amanda going home tonight. Yes, last night's performance was BRU-TAL. However, she has some staying power from her prior performances and she is "different" enough to hang on til at least next week. There are others who are completely forgettable and they will be the ones to go home this week. They are, let's see...I forgot them already...Kady & Alaina fro the chicks and Jason with the dreadlocks and Jason Y from the dudes. Just my opinion, and I sure would like for Amanda have just one more chance, so let's hope she stays.
Posted by: Rick | February 28, 2008 at 04:07 PM
If they do doink Amanda and Kady and Jason Castro, they'll be left with the most milquetoast lineup imaginable. Seriously, David Hernandez might be able to hold a tune, but he's about as exciting as a dust bunny.
Posted by: Sean Daly | February 28, 2008 at 04:19 PM
Amanda's not going home. No way. She's interesting. People will vote for her, for now.
But you're right that she's absolutely miserable. When all the girls were jumping on each other last night at the end hugging, she was doing the "Leprosy Shuffle" away from the lot. Carly approached her ever-so-tentatively to extend an olive branch. Like, "There there. See my tattoo? Nice girl. Nice."
Posted by: Stephanie Hayes | February 28, 2008 at 04:28 PM
Hold on there, SD. Don't judge the swans by the cygnets.
I remember a muscially-proficient, personality-deficient young man by the name of Clay Aiken, and over time he blossomed into, uh,...
...oh, nevermind.
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | February 28, 2008 at 04:30 PM
I think people want to see just how much more 'freak show' antics Amanda will pull out of her hair. So, with that being said, here's the lowdown on the going home showdown ala Riss Picks:
Jason Yeager
Luke Menard
Plenty of boring chicks to choose from. It's a toss up.
I'm going with the chick who sang "Hopelessly Devoted" and "Me and Mr. Jones" ~ both so boring a fell asleep with it on fast forward.
Posted by: Marissa | February 28, 2008 at 04:32 PM
While her performance last night was, frankly, abysmal, I don't think Amanda will be doinked tonight. Honestly, save for hippy-dippy Brooke, I don't care which chica packs her bags and goes tonight. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ...
I'm thinking pretty-but-bland Luke and a player to be named later are the ousters for the dudes (better not be Jason Castro, though... he's becoming my fave.) I'm afraid Cowell's lambasting of J. Yeager might have garnered him some sympathy votes and a stay of execution. It's happened before...
Posted by: jane | February 28, 2008 at 04:57 PM
Naughty pics on the web of Ramiele are making the circuit. Along with that is the arrest record of dirty biker nurse Amanda. Her mug shot is no different than her usual look.
Posted by: Marissa | February 28, 2008 at 05:04 PM
True that about Amanda's mug shot -- saw the one for her DUI arrest. Blonde streaks and all.
There's also a rumour about that Robbie Carrico's hair is a piece/wig/extensions. That one makes me laugh.
Posted by: jane | February 28, 2008 at 05:14 PM
Who cares who can sing. The fake rocker sporting the wig is classic.
Posted by: Boe | February 28, 2008 at 07:26 PM
Ah, the nightmare that is the ensemble performance is about to end .... nope. they are still acting like wankers
Posted by: Marissa | February 28, 2008 at 08:07 PM
I'm watching last night's show on the Armed Forces Network.
If I had known it was going to be this bad I would have unplugged our Fox affiliate myself!
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | February 28, 2008 at 08:07 PM
Purposely not looking at the trainwreck that is the group sing... those don't get interesting for me until later in the season. When they're usually accompanied by a Ford P*i*m*pmercial.
Posted by: jane | February 28, 2008 at 08:09 PM
Oh! I hate that Brady Bunch Variety Show crap.
Posted by: r2cents | February 28, 2008 at 08:10 PM
Wankers. Great word, Miss Riss. And so appropriate, too.
Poor Jeff. It really is horrendous, isn't it.
Posted by: jane | February 28, 2008 at 08:11 PM
I like Brooke. She's like Jewel with good teeth.
Posted by: Steve Persall | February 28, 2008 at 08:11 PM
I actually feel sorry for Amanda.
And it takes a big shot of sympathy to pierce the Heart of Snarkness.
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | February 28, 2008 at 08:16 PM
Yes! JAson Castro IS SAFE!!!! I'm like a freakin' umpire.
Posted by: Marissa | February 28, 2008 at 08:16 PM
Did you see how terrified Danny Montana was? I STILL WANNA SMASH HIS FACE!
Posted by: Bassnote | February 28, 2008 at 08:17 PM
Now, I was saying earlier that if next week is 80s week, Jason Yeager would have done an outstanding rendition of Spandau Ballet's "True"
Posted by: Marissa | February 28, 2008 at 08:17 PM
Buh-bye Jason Yeager. Thank goodness you didn't get a sympathy vote bounce.
Posted by: jane | February 28, 2008 at 08:18 PM
I think it's cruelty to dash their hopes and then expect them to sing in the face of ego obliteration.
Posted by: Marissa | February 28, 2008 at 08:18 PM
Yeager was worthless, no big loss.
Posted by: Bassnote | February 28, 2008 at 08:19 PM
lol Bassnote. I love your hatred for Danny.
Posted by: Marissa | February 28, 2008 at 08:19 PM
I have this to sing to Jason Yeager. "THe loooooooooooooove boat... soon you'll be making a rendezvous... the love boat"
Posted by: Marissa | February 28, 2008 at 08:20 PM
I better get a bag of Funyuns if my 4 picks are right.
Posted by: Marissa | February 28, 2008 at 08:21 PM
Must they be allowed to sing the song again?
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 08:21 PM
Somebody tell me what's happening!
I feel like Ray Charles at a silent movie!
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | February 28, 2008 at 08:22 PM
If there was no sing-out, then how would the remaining contestants get their tearful/sad/concerned face time?
This is the point when I go and find other things to do.
Posted by: jane | February 28, 2008 at 08:23 PM
There's a man smelling a Subway sandwich and now a Nissan is driving around in circles.
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 08:24 PM
Yeager. Got doinked. Sang-out. Good bye.
Up next: chick doinking, most likely.
Posted by: jane | February 28, 2008 at 08:24 PM
That weird half-squat Kristy Lee does makes me think something isn't working up in her drawers
Posted by: Marissa | February 28, 2008 at 08:25 PM
Woo-Hoo! Amanda gets a shot at redemption.
Posted by: Bassnote | February 28, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Zoinks! Argh! I guess wrong.
Posted by: Marissa | February 28, 2008 at 08:31 PM
Alexandrea. Gone. Bye-bye.
Amanda is safe.
Posted by: jane | February 28, 2008 at 08:31 PM
Why couldn't one of the blondes go?
Posted by: Bassnote | February 28, 2008 at 08:31 PM
Yes, Amanda gets another shot ... but, wait, hasn't that gotten her in trouble in the recent past?
Posted by: r2cents | February 28, 2008 at 08:32 PM
One thing contestants just can't seem to learn is that singing songs with the words good-bye, leave, or lyrics implying a departure is a sure fire way to be sent to the so-long-song-corral.
Posted by: Marissa | February 28, 2008 at 08:32 PM
Is there no stopping the Fembots?!
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | February 28, 2008 at 08:35 PM
Is there no stopping the Fembots?!
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | February 28, 2008 at 08:36 PM
What was with running and giving Chachi a hug?
Posted by: Bassnote | February 28, 2008 at 08:36 PM
"I can't sing." Well, duh!
Posted by: r2cents | February 28, 2008 at 08:39 PM
WHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
Posted by: sparky | February 28, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Oh man, what IF it is 80s week next week? Out of all the 80s songs, what would you sing? YIKES.
Aw, I totally disagree with the lst girl doinking, that Kady girl should have went. too bad.
Posted by: Melissa | February 28, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Well, I was right with Alaina ... I wonder if she'll vomit on Ryan's shoes.. will Paula coddle her? Hold her to her bosom?
Posted by: Marissa | February 28, 2008 at 08:40 PM
Bright young talent.
She's as bright as a burnt out refrigerator light.
Posted by: sparky | February 28, 2008 at 08:40 PM
bwahahahaha r2cents
Posted by: Marissa | February 28, 2008 at 08:41 PM
I meant the LAST girl doinking...
Posted by: Melissa | February 28, 2008 at 08:41 PM
When Alaina and Kady were standing there, I literally could not tell them apart. Until Alaina (buh-bye) opened her mouth and I saw the Lauren Hutton-esque gap.
Posted by: jane | February 28, 2008 at 08:41 PM
I don't notice a difference from last night.
Posted by: Marissa | February 28, 2008 at 08:41 PM
Don't worry Kady. You'll get your chance to sing a second time next week.
Posted by: Marissa | February 28, 2008 at 08:43 PM
Harriot had Alaina on her hit list, and I'm just happy there's one less blonde around.
They were diluting my Barbie snark.
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | February 28, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Is the wig coming off.
Posted by: sparky | February 28, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Do you suppose that the bandana is pre-attached to the wig? Kinda like a two-for-one special...
Posted by: jane | February 28, 2008 at 08:56 PM
Whoa! He did that in an extremely odd manner. I was wrong! AGAIN! Dang it.
Posted by: Marissa | February 28, 2008 at 08:57 PM
Well, I'm two for four ... er, six.
Posted by: r2cents | February 28, 2008 at 08:57 PM
lol Sparky and Jane.
Please note that I am not disappointed Robbie is going home. And yes, I think his Britney Spears extensions are coming off.
Posted by: Marissa | February 28, 2008 at 08:58 PM
He's as much of a rocker as I am a Chippendale's dancer.
Posted by: sparky | February 28, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Drat. And just when I was getting ready to load up on wig jokes.
Actually, having Robbie go is no big loss. IMO.
Posted by: jane | February 28, 2008 at 08:59 PM
No, Robbie. You're not hot. You're, at best, tepid.
Posted by: Marissa | February 28, 2008 at 09:00 PM
was that his girlfriend clapping along with the song? wow, it must be something about that mysterious bandana or something...could explain brett michaels. ???
Posted by: Melissa | February 28, 2008 at 09:02 PM
Oh how I was hoping for a Melrose Place moment akin to when Marcia Cross ripped off her wig... how awesome would it have been for Robbie to yank on that bandana and come (Mr.) Clean.
Posted by: jane | February 28, 2008 at 09:03 PM
ha! Melissa.
Posted by: Marissa | February 28, 2008 at 09:06 PM
lol Sean, I love the "like I always say" remark about the skull t-shirt. You make me snort when I laugh.
Posted by: Marissa | February 28, 2008 at 09:07 PM
It's been fun watching with everyone...time to get LOST now.
Posted by: Melissa | February 28, 2008 at 09:09 PM
i can't believe danny is still on the show. he is such a loser.
Posted by: jackie | February 29, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Good bye Robbie Poser with the bad weave, and the 2nd but more boring coming of Carrie Underbot. Her fat mom was pi$$ed. Creepy Donnie Osmond needed to go. Alexandrea would have stayed of her name didn't have the extra unnecessary syllab-ble.
The worst part about 70s night was no one did Loving You. Of course the only way to do it is the calssic Richard Stamos version and purposefully not hit the high F. That fat Chris guy from last year would have done something like that. At least it would have been interesting.
Posted by: DoctorDrew | February 29, 2008 at 09:59 AM