AI last night

I was the only person in my family not surprised that Carly was voted off. I have always thought she was "good" but there was something that did not convey with her - somehow the emotional connection was just not there. I also thought she spent to much time at the upper limit of her range, which became strident.

Jason chose poorly. Brooke started poorly. But they have built a fan base over the past few weeks that got them through this round, whereas I do not think that Carly ever did. She got through on the strength of her performance rather than on building a fan base. She did have one of the better performances, but still was lacking the audience connection.

In the end I expect it to come down to the two Davids. Jason, Brooke, Syesha - none of these can win. Jason is the closest to being a solo artist of those 3, in my opinion. Syesha should go straight to Broadway. Brooke has a shot too - but needs more of her own identity rather than being a contemporary Carole King.

What I enjoy the most is that our whole family is engaged in the process.

Rhetorical question

How long until we move from the "our daughter spends ALL DAY on the phone" phase?

Answer: Just until the next one starts said phase...

Ahh, the joys of parenthood.

Shout to the Lord.......?

I publicly admit that I watch American Idol. There, I said it. I enjoy seeing the performers grow (or not). It also gives me opportunities to coach Lauren on what is good and what is not from a performing perspective.

Last week's shows held an odd surprise for me. Though I did not watch the "gives back" show on Wednesday, on Thursday they did a lot (a LOT) of recap, including a reprise of their presentation of "Shout to the Lord." Yeah, THAT "Shout to the Lord." They sang it very well.

My deal is that I just don't know how to process that song from that source. There has been a lot of "Jesus" in the song choices this year, especially during Dolly Parton week. But this was not a choice by an individual singer from a specific song catalog - this was the SHOW's choice of song.

IIRC, when Mandisa sang a Christian-themed song a couple years ago Simon said she was being "indulgent." She was gone right after that.

I'm glad they sang it. I'm especially glad they sang it so well. I hope people were moved by the song and the message. I just have a little issue of credibility with them presenting that song...