It's amazing what a difference a season makes. Last year's season should have been called "Revival". I forgot what Survivor feels like when Jesus doesn't have a vote. I like it.

About Baylie Brown. I can't remember the last time an Idol contestant openly used sex appeal to craft her image. That dress was definitely five years in the making.

I initially have rooted against Colton. Beyond sabotaging his sister, the segment on how he did his hair did not help. But he's the sole male contestant who seems most poised and prepared to cut a deal, record an album, and play Vans Warped Tour. Or whatever.

Good point about the quick switch from bitchy rivals to well-meaning friends. But don't forget, New Yorkers thrive on giving the impression they know everything about everything. It isn't unrealistic to imagine the trio caring more about coming off like theater know-it-alls who can help poor Iowa than being mean for…

After seeing Counting Crows in concert, and being subsequently disappointed, I've learned to stay away from 90s pop acts that overcharge for their concerts. That said, I just finished watching videos of Dreams in concert on YouTube. For their age, they still bring a lot to the stage.

I thought the funniest part of the Oscars were the Ellen Degeneres commercials for JCPennys.

I agree the show caters to the country voice but I don't begrudge the producers for that. It's simple, the country alum are safer bets when it comes to post-Idol success. Beyond the obvious superstar in Carrie Underwood and future star in Scotty McCreery, the idea Kellie Pickler could have sustained success this many…

Lowering the age of eligibility might be working against the contestants. The reemergence of Bailey Brown after a five year absence almost makes me trust the judges more when they say certain contestants aren't ready for the show and genuinely mean when they say they should come back. David Leathers was a tad older…

Not right that in an era where we can make enthralling movies on pengiuns or tight rope walkers, films about Navy SEALS are a bore. Not right.

In the food world, is the title "Top Chef" worth anything outside of the context of the show? As I see it, being an "American Idol" has some weight outside of the show. To a lesser extent, winning Project Runway does too. If being "Top Chef" doesn't, I don't have a real problem with the gimmicky quality of the last…

PS. Zero chance Colton wins. America won't forgive him for upstaging his sister in such a covertly brutal way. Even if he didn't mean to. It was tough to watch.

Phil Phillips is setting himself up to be the show's first version of Dave Matthews. At the very least, he makes watching someone play the guitar interesting, unlike the Kris Allen, David Cook, Lee Dwyze trio.

Naturally, these shows are drastically different. Have different values and different motivations. But Breaking Bad was the first show I've invested in that taught me, as a television viewer, to demand that writers earn the right to use extreme drama in a scene. But Glee and Weeds are two shows I used to love and now…

This episode was a disaster. I don't know much about food but I know about competition. I thought the title Top Chef was supposed to mean something outside of the confines of the competition. If that's the case, take away the gimmicks and determine a champion at their best. Shooting ranges? Cross country skiing?…

It becomes more and more obvious how the spirit of Cleveland that affects their sports fans is seeping into their rock stars. It's a self-victimization that is uncalled for. The idea the Black Keys are rejecting the "scene" while clamoring to be adored by it is disgraceful. Rock bands like Cage the Elephant or…

This episode finally didn't offer obviously worthy losers. After the first three dishes (from the Asian trio, if I recall) were a success, I kept saying to myself, "Oh, it has to be ____" and "Oh, it has to be _____" But it never happened! Unlike previous mistakes like undercooking potatoes. Or serving Applebees'…

I liked this episode a lot. I'm over the thrill of people getting embarrassed at the auditions. I enjoy seeing quirky people being mildly talented, like Mr. Steal Your Girl or Ms. Joy Hop. The real fun part of American Idol is Hollywood week. And we started the season with enough weirdos to make group numbers really…

This is nitpicky but it bothered me. How is Finn the best man? Mr. Shue has no friends that he could take him with him to the jewelry store? Earlier in the episode, Emma said that Will was still upset over fantasy football. No one plays fantasy football with strangers. And the closer the friends, the more upset you'd…

I'm an American Idol fan to the point where I actively celebrated and hoped for this show to fail. I've read your recaps but the finale was the first time I watched. My thoughts: the show will suffer if its finale continues to double as a holiday showcase. The performances, the set, it all looked better suited to a…