Season 7's Final 12

So, we're finally at the point of the season where it gets manageable for me to start writing.

After a (very) emotional episode (actually, there are a LOT of crybabies this season, it's been like watching "Project Runway"), America has chose the Final Twelve, which won't be easy because y'all know I've failed to "bond" with any of the girls this year. I'll give a quick run-through and include what I've referred to them as so far.

Amanda Overmyer (Janis Rocker Chick): love her when she does her Janis thing, but she doesn't seem to be able to really carry a tune (I know that sounds weird). Also, unless she's singing, she looks so UNBELIEVABLY uncomfortable onstage. . . it weirds me out.

Brook White (Old Carly Simon Chick): even though I used to be a BIG Carly Simon fan, I really don't enjoy watching or hearing this chick sing. Plus, to me she's the OLDEST 24-year old I've ever seen.

Carly Smithson (Irish Chick): going through a love-hate thing here. Loved her in auditions, but dislike the fact that she's already failed to break into the recording business twice. Seems like she's been given enough chances, even though there really wasn't another girl during auditions that could have taken her place. Plus, I'm really bothered by the Amy Winehouse look-alike that is her tattoo. I'm picking her to be the last girl in the competition.

Ramiele Malubay (Tiny Filipino Chick): really love this girl about every other performance. She's going to crash and burn, though, I just have a feeling.

Syesha Mercado (Thandie Newton): thought she would be great while watching the auditions, but I only like her about every third performance.

Kristy Lee Cook (Country Blondie): thought she should have gone home last night. If we had to keep a blonde, Alaina should have been the keeper.

Chikezie: no need for a nickname, his name IS his nickname. Love this kid, but I don't think the rest of American will continue to appreciate him.

David Hernandez (now known as Stripper Boy): liked this kid since auditions, but he shows signs of instability in his performances. Could go bad.

Jason Castro (Dreadlock Dude): love, love, love him. Love the way he sings and how genuinely humble he is. Love the fact that he had only sung for other people a handful of times before he auditioned. I think he resembles John Travolta (watch his facial expressions). Not creeped out by his dreads like Nessa is.

Michael Jones (Aussie Dude): have loved him since auditions; very smooth, consistent and really talented. I'm predicting he'll make it to the top 5 at the very least.

David Cook (Rocker Dude): love, love, love this guy. Love his singing, love his attitude onstage and toward Simon. Knows he's good but doesn't exude it.

David Archuleta: no nickname for David --- I've been blown away by his performances since auditions. He has NEVER let me down and I've downloaded all his Idol songs to my iPod. I've like him even better than Josiah since the beginning. He's my pick to win this year.

So, even though I hope David Archuleta wins this year I'd actually be happy with any one of the guys winning. They are ALL so good and all appeal to me for vastly different reasons --- it will be hard to see any of them go home, but if all the guys don't end up with recording contracts, then the world is just a crazy place.

The girls this year? Ehhh. . . not feeling it so much for them at all. Maybe things will change over the coming weeks.

Good to be back!