Subject: "American Idol"

I've never watched AI before, but I like some of the artists it's produced so far, including Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. So I decided, this time, I'm going to watch it from beginning to end, just to see if I get caught up in all the rage.

I started out excited because 6 of the 24 finalists were from California - woo hoo!! Unfortunately, only 2 are left. I have to say, I like it, but I'm not yet totally caught up. I think once the 12 finalists are announced today, I'll get a little more caught up. I think. Now I'm no great singer for sure, so I feel a little bad criticizing the finalists. But then again, America has to vote and these people knew they were up for criticism when they tried out. That said, I have to say that I don't think any of the girls or guys this year has made any kind of impression on me. Maybe that will change, but I was expecting really amazing singers. From what I'm reading here and there on the web, my opinion is in line with many others. Nobody is that super impressive this year. It is early in the competition so maybe these people will develop and get better and better, who knows. I'm still going to continue watching to see what happens. Here are my picks for who I think is pretty good so far:

GUYS:
Chris Richardson - could definitely do the pop genre, has a great smile
Blake Lewis - same thing. I love his beatboxing...fun to watch and he could make some money with 1 record. Don't know if his fame would last past that.
Phil Stacey - I like him because he has some kind of something about his personality, but I don't know just yet if I like his singing. This is a wait and see for me. I haven't totally ruled him out yet.
Sanjaya Malakar - I like him, and of course he's Indian so I'm totally behind my fellow countryman. But he needs to step it up and stop singing songs from the 60s. He's so young - he needs to show his energy. I have a feeling he's going to get voted off this week.

GIRLS:
Gina Glocksen - I've liked her since the original auditions. She has this cool, rocker chick appeal and last week she sang a really great song that suited her. It would be cool for AI to produce a female rocker chick for the first time.
Jordin Sparks - So young, sweet, and fresh - reminds me of Jennifer Hudson. Definite appeal for me. Hopefully she makes it far. Poor thing got caught up in emotions last week during her song. She has a very good voice though. Could totally do the pop thing.
Lakisha, Melinda, Sabrina, and Stephanie - I like them all and see them doing the R&B thing. They have really amazing voices and good charisma.

Who do I think is going to get voted off this week? Haley Scarnato, Antonella Barba (don't like her at all, never have), Sanjaya Malakar, and Jared Cotter.

My other guess: This year AI is going to produce a female Idol. There are more good girls this year than there are guys.

And here's something funny: I was watching "American Idol: Rewind" on Saturday night b/c I couldn't sleep. It was from the first season and Justin Guarini did his performance. After it, Simon Cowell said, "Justin Guarini, Justin Timberlake better watch out" or something to that effect. Um...yeah, anyways.