American Idol and other stuff

Ok, Travis Cottrell's blog has inspired me, and I will attempt to add my thoughts to the blog world. I have resisted up until now, made a couple of feeble attempts, but now, I am truly inspired. We'll see how it goes.

First, I'll catch you up on family. I am really busy with Daniel's graduation and trying to get all the hoops jumped through to get him into the University of Tennessee. It's a bit overwhelming. Curt has just started a new landscaping job and will enroll soon in Volunteer State. Bo continues his work in the music industry and at the Rutledge in Nashville.

I am still trying to get on my feet from recent back surgery. It is harder than I expected, perhaps because - I suspect - the surgery has not done what we hoped it would do. My doctor says it's still early, but I think he is just putting off the bad news. Mornings are brutal, and it usually takes until 11 a.m. to get on my feet. Oh, well. I am keeping a positive attitude in the midst of my realism. Others have it much worse, so no whining from me. If you ask me how I am, I will tell you I am fine.

Now let's get to the good stuff: American Idol. Ok. Finally getting to see one tonight, since no baseball game. It's Andrew Lloyd Webber night and I couldn't be more excited. I am a true Phantom junkie and believe Phantom is the only perfect work of art. That and Santana's Europa (Earth's Cry, Heaven's Smile).

Here's what they are singing and my thoughts:

Syesha Mercado - "One Rock & Roll Too Many" from Starlight Express. No question Syesha is really talented, but I never feel her connection to any song, because she is an actress and always seems to be acting in the songs. She will be great for musical theater, but as a pop singer, not so much. Unless something drastically changes, I am ready for her to hit the road.

David Cook - "Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera. Huh? Really? Music of the Night is a big song for a big voice. I'm not sure he has the pipes for that song. He is great pop singer material, though. He is attractive in a real nerdy, John Cusack way. And I love his voice. But I think he has bitten off too much with this song. I don't see him leaving because of it.

Carly Smithson - "Jesus Christ Superstar" from the musical of the same name. This seems like a good fit. I like Carly, I'm just kind of bored with her. She's not going win, so I think my boredom comes from just going through the process of waiting for her to leave. It won't be any great surprise or drama when she goes - she'll just go. I'm sorry, the tats are too much.

Brooke White - "You Must Love Me" from the film adaptation of Evita. I love Brooke. She isn't going to win, either, but I am definitely NOT bored with her. Love this song, and I think she'll rock it.

Jason Castro - "Memory" from Cats. Jason bores me, too. He is talented. He is harmless. Nice guy, cute face. Hate the dread locks. But, I just have no interest in him.

David Archuleta - "Think of Me" from Phantom of the Opera. I can't imagine David singing anything badly, but I look forward to seeing if he can pull this off. Such a big dramatic song. He has the pipes, just don't know if he has the maturity to handle it. I don't see how this kid can lose.

All for now. I'll try to get back on and blog live during the broadcast.