Judging Idol

It seems clear that Simon doesn't really like country music. Or does he? After all, he is a big supporter of Carrie Underwood, and Kelly Clarkson has been known to sing a country song or two. But he did make a number of digs on Dolly Parton night, suggesting that he really isn't much of a country fan. In today's podcast, I talk about how I like Dolly Parton and her music. I also discuss why I think Randy and Paula also don't seem to be all that knowledgeable about country music either. Don't they know that country music is one of the most popular genres of music in the U.S.? Well, as Tim Gunn (from Project Runway) would say "it's a question of taste"! If you'd like to know more about Dolly Parton and her 25 #1 country hit singles, check out the Dollymania newsletter. Please listen to today's podcast.

Proving that there really can be too much of a good thing, the Idol contestants struggled with the second week of Beatles tunes. In this week's podcast, I reveal the upcoming theme which seems like it may be easier for them to handle. Please listen to today's podcast.

Week 2 of the Lennon/McCartney songbook. Looking forward to finding out what the contestants choose to sing. Song selection should be strong this week but will likely make or break some folks. On today's podcast, I give my thoughts on each contestant and which Lennon/McCartney songs I'd like to hear them sing. If you're interested in learning more about Lennon/McCartney and The Beatles, check out I Am The Beatles. It's a great reference source. And here's a site featuring awesome photos of the young Beatles from the 1950s through 1963 - you can see these cool photos at The Beatle Source - The Savage Young Beatles. Please listen to today's podcast.

A brief review of last week's ousting of Robbie and then back to the 80s! The guys really poured it on this week. Lots of strong performances and a few unexpected choices. The girls did well too. I share my thoughts on how you really should answer the question about embarrassing memories. And how not to answer... Please listen to today's podcast.

Welcome back to American Idol - Season 7! In today's podcast, I discuss the Anti-Sanjaya effect or in other words, the efforts by the makers of American Idol to avoid ending up with another Sanjaya this season. Clearly, the makers of the show are hoping to take away the fun of any vote for the worst type campaigns and have made sure that each contestant in the top 24 can really sing and would be a credible performer. Playing it safe? Yeah, but at least it ensures that the level of talent stays high. I also make my predictions about who will leave the group tonight from the top 20. Please listen to today's podcast.

Bon Jovi's song catalog proves to be a great match with the Idol contestants. Idol bounces back from last week's less than entertaining show. Looking forward to Boogie week - the pressure's on and the final four have to really prove that they should stay. Please listen to today's podcast where I may ramble more than usual due to my drowsiness-inducing cold medicine!

Idol gave back this week and I'd like to give IT back. Yes, of course it was a noble cause and I'm glad they were able to raise so much money. But in terms of entertainment, it was solely lacking. And the gimmicky conclusion left me furious. That was just downright mean - and on a show about charity and compassion, no less. Did you share those feelings? Please listen to today's podcast. And let's hope next week's show is better.

It had to happen. Sanjaya has left the building. In today's podcast, I discuss Country Week. Who is Julie Reeves? Who is the new "Sanjaya" according to the Vote For The Worst website? And what was the theme supposed to be instead of British Invasion Week. For the answers to these questions, please listen to today's podcast.

Sanjaya slays them on Latin night. Okay - maybe that's an overstatement. But as Simon said, "he wasn't horrible". J-Lo knows how to wow 'em and gives some helpful advice along the way. On today's podcast, I discuss the effects of the coaching of Gwen Stefani, Tony Bennett and Jennifer Lopez on the contestants' performances. Listen to podcast #2.