Malaysian Open - The Finals

2nd part of the weekend's-capade!


Its been a week since the 250 tour in Kuala Lumpur started. As I mentioned on my previous entry about the tournament, there are a few known players joined the first and new part of ATP 250 tour in the City. Sadly, we haven't had the chance to see most of them due to early exits and the fact the we only bought tickets for the final game.

Some of the early ousted players includes, former world no. 4, David Ferrer, Feliciano Lopez, Jose Acasuso and 2 time grand slam champion Lleyton Hewitt. I really rooted for Lleyton to win the tournament if Verdasco or Davydenko wouldn't make it. I thought this will be a great time for him to show his ability adding that the tournament was held in Asia and near to his Country, Australia. But, there, badluck is around the air.

Luckily, Nikolay and Fernando smoothly sailed to the semis whom they faced the other top seeded on the tour, Robin Sorderling and Fernando Gonzales. Nikolay who defeated the charming Frenchman, Gael Monfils who just won the "Open de Moselle" a week ago in a straight set, 6-3, 6-3 faced Soderling who won to Czech, Tomas Berdych, 6-2, 6-2. And Fernando Verdasco who won to Richard Gasquet, 7-5, 6-4 faced Gonzales who defeated the ever focused Mikhail Youzhny of Russia, 6-3, 6-4.


Not Too Easy Win

The top seeded, Nikolay, won a not too easy game to Robin Soderling before reaching the final. The game lasted for morethan two hours. Robin secured the first set with a very convincing score, 6-1. But "Kolya" doesn't feel intimidated and win the last two set, 7-6(1), 6-2.

(Game statistics: Both players produced 9 total aces, 67% of Break points, 62% service points, 38% return points and 50% total points won. - source: Protennislive.com)

Verdasco on the other hand, demolished Gonzales in straight set, 6-4, 7-5. Which makes my finalist prediction into real.


The Final GAme

The feeling of being present to a Pro Tennis Final is unexplainable. For the newbie like me(us), where everything are "first-time", the crowd, the noise, the people arriving late and those cute kids running up and down the stairs can be appreciated easily. No "shush" unlike in a movie house when someone is giggling or murmuring, this is different, and I really love the experience!

Between the two favorites on the tour, I easily fell over and decided to cheer for Davydenko. I'm a huge fan of both players, but between the two, I felt that the Russian is more deserve to win the title (just an opinion). Adding that most of the spectators are cheering for Verdasco, So it's "Me Against The World".

Fernando Boleh!
Malaysia Boleh!

Both players are good on their down the line ground strokes. Hitting the ball back and forth with an average of atleast 120kph. But, compliments should be given to the Russian, who keeps his pace and consistent on his game. Verdasco haven't mastered the consistency of his game yet. I don't know. Its shows on every execution on his serves and rallys. But he is still a good player.

Break points are won by Nikolay on the 7th and 10th game of the match, which help him to secure a first set win against Fernanando, 6-4.

7th game result:

10th game and first set result:

Do-or-Die

A nerve breaking second set started with both players losing on their serves. Exchange of breakpoints on earlier games which keeps me thinking if Verdasco can pull-off to win the set to have a chance to win if ever they made it to the 3rd and deciding set.

Nikolay seems to gain his composure and able to break on 11th game, an important point away from the Spaniards.


With Nikolay serving for the match, I prepared my self to dash down nearer to players stool to secure an autograph. My mind is already set that Nikolay will won the match. But the fences are lock :(

(Game fact: Verdasco produces a total of 4 double fault against 1 from Davydenko in the second and final set.)

The crowd are cheering crazily for Verdasco when both players get ready for the 12th game on second set. This atleast boost Verdasco's confidence. But Davydenko is so focused that he still manage to win the game and become the

First Proton Malaysian Open Champion!

(Picture from: Malaysianopentennis.com)

Pity I wasn't able to get a sign from Nikolay, but atleast I had Fernando's!

Malaysian Open - 2nd Day - Qualifying Game

2nd day of the Open and our 1st day in the tournament.

Super excited since finally, after dreaming to watch a live Pro Tennis, they are here now to grant my wish.

Took some of the photo using my friends cameras...

Woong-Sun Jun of Korea and Brendan Evans of USA after their match. Evans win 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. Memorable comment from Evans to the Umpire: "You Robbed me twice!".


Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan signing autographs to some spectators after defeating Aisam-Ul-Hq Qureshi of Pakistan in straight sets, 7-6(3), 6-2.


Michael Yani of USA being interviewed after winning a great game with fellow American, Scott Lipsky in their friendly atmosphere match 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.


Scoreboard for Rohan Bopanna of India and Mariusz Fyrsternberg of Poland match inside the center court. The former wins in a straight sets, 7-5, 6-1. (Some of the pictures were accidentally deleted :( )



And before we leave the center court, we saw some of the players practicing for their upcoming matches, testing and familiarizing the court. One of them is..

Yep! David Ferrer of Spain :D

2 days to go

I am still overwhelmed by Del Potro dethroning Federer at the last Us Open.. hahaha.. (apologies for the fans).

What excites me most and what am I looking forward to, is the upcoming ATP tour in Kuala Lumpur. Finally, they visit my adopting country and include it for one of their ATP World Tour 250 tournaments. I'm just disappointed that none of my favorites will be on the country's tour. But its still exciting that some of the known names will appear like Hewitt, Monfils, Verdasco and Davydenko.

Crossing my fingers that hopefully next year Rafa, Simon and Roddick join the KL tour.

New Term For Kicking

I again join the training for Taekwondo last night. There are lots of new faces at the training site. Either they are new who just join or old who decided to return is not clear to me not until the end of the training session. Wow! Most of them, or I would say all of them are new guys who just transferred in the University!

There are many new guys who are already black belters and a few who are white, yellow like me and some blue and red belters. And yes, finally, I got my new belt from Ms. Maggie.. Yahoo!

It's not a common training day since We, lower belters was ask to watch our Seniors doing their 1-8 tier forms. It become some sort of orientation for new members actually. I know no one except from Eddy, the club president and Melvin who is always there in every sessions and our instructor Mr. Moi and his wife ofcourse... bah!

I haven't seen Irene since the new term of session began. It wasn't clear to me what she told me before about the training and her On-The-Job training which is one of her requirements in her University. Anyway, I'm still hoping to see the old guys to join this first term of the year again.

Let's Run

I slept late last night. My adrenalin is still fully awake due to two hours of jog and walking. I'm doing this in preparation of the coming marathon that me and my friends are planning to be part of.

I'm not yet registered unlike my other friends who requested one of their officemates/friends to register for them. I'll try to visit Adidas booth at "The Gardens" near MidValley Megamall to register this weekend.

I'm so excited since this will be my first time to join such activity. I tried to timed my self using my cellphone timer and check how many minutes it would take for me to reach the end of the nearest Park in our Place. It feels great and its a good motivation that you are doing this kind of thing because of a certain goal.

Oh and I received a call from a friend from Philippines who is here now in "The City of Lights" asking for direction on how to reach his hotel while were on the midst of our cardio-training. He is still not familiar in the country though he's been here for a couple of times.

We also discovered a track and field inside MMU. Its a best place to practice and timed our speed. I think the oval is about 400 meters long so it will take us 27 to 28 rounds to complete the 11Km mark that were planned to join in. I tried to run to check my time and finish the whole oval for a minute and 40 seconds. If my calculation is right, I could finish 11km in roughly 40 minutes! Inside the qualifying time of 50minutes.. that is if I can maintain the same speed from the start to finish.. yay!

For those people around the City and who wants to be part of this activity please check below link for more info: Shah Alam King of the Road

Happy Running :D

Kicking At St. John

I joined the taekwondo training again at St. Johns school at Bukit Nanas yesterday. Actually I was fifteen or twenty minutes late from the training because I forgot to watch the time while on choir practice. Anyway, I'm still happy that I can still manage to follow my listed schedule for the day.

The team are in the midst of stretching when I arrived. I haven't seen Melvin, who came later after my five minutes in the formation(gladly there are people who came later than me... hehehe).

I forgot the name of the senior leader who ask us to line up to practice some tier steps. I'm still wearing my white belt since Ms. Maggie didn't show up on last Tuesday training. SL(Senior Leader) told us first to practice our basic kicking and punching. Start with the single to double and end to triple punches, lower to counter blocking and front to side kicking.

It is one heck of a training and I really really really enjoyed it. My whole body is sweating... and it really feels great.

Gray day

I'm very excited last night just to be disappointed after more than 4 hours of watching the final match of Wimbledon. My mind is still denying the sour lost of one of my favorites and finalist on this year tournament in All-England Club.

Andy Roddick change his game(thats for sure) and really deserve to win, but Roger Federer stop him. Wahh.. Roger fans are surely still celebrating the wins of their bet. sigh.. sigh... sigh!

In the good side, Andy reaches the final of a Grand Slam after years of trying. He still the winner for me.. hehehe.. (bitter)

Talking about tennis, it's been weeks since my last game with my Indonesian friend in Cyberia. He keeps on complaining about his right hand and still on rest in order to play again. I'm also waiting for my Filipino friend to recover on his illness... he still had this stone on his kidney and still under medication for almost 4 months. He was been my tennis buddy for a year now.

I have again received an invitation from a Church friend for a tennis game this coming Saturday in National Tennis Center, this could be a chance for me to check my improvements on my new loved game. Sadly, I can't make for this week since I already commit my weekend to accompany a friend from Philippines in Genting Highlands. This is his 3rd time in the country and 3rd to planed to visit the place. Our first two plans was been canceled due to tickets and bus schedule unavailability. Hope we can make it this time.. yay! In the brighter side, My tastebuds will again enjoy the tasty hotdog made from my Motherland!

Bibo.. bibo.. bibo..!

Back from Hiatus

Its been over a month when I decided to stop posting for my blog for the meantime. I let my bird brain to rest for a couple of weeks to regain my will and hunger to think hehehe.

Now, here I am again, trying to make a new start on my online past-time.

So, for those days I am away on blogger, I wasted my time on Facebook. Its an online community networking like Friendster, Flicker and Multiply. A friend and colleague introduced me on this site and urge me to join on her group at "Mafia Wars". I actually heard and received a lots of invite from my friends to join this site before but I haven't tried to check it due to my inborn laziness. I wasn't fascinated on online games and I always told them that I can't manage to keep another social network. I don't even had a chance to check and update my Friendster account, so why join another one?

Anyway, I been tired on telling excuses and give the site a try. And whoa.. I was hooked on most of the games and quizzes on the site. I finally joined them at "Mafia Wars" and well, can't stop playing it. I'm already reaches "level 58"!

Aside from "Facebook-ing", I return back on reading books. I'm currently reading and trying to finish the "Good Guy" by Dean Koontz which I borrow from my friend (shai). I also bought another 2 books from MPH a week ago which I will read after I finish with the first one. I also ask my colleague who took a leave for The Philippines to buy two new books of my favorite local writer. I need lots of new books to read since I keep on re-reading my old ones.

American Idol 8 Top 4 - Performance (Rock Music)

Hmmm where should I start... think... think... THINK!

Okay! Wreck Sign Tower, a Rock star wannabe judge and an over covered powder on Paula's face... this is American Idol.. hahaha

This is my less love theme ever... Rock Night. Though lots of people preferred noisy sounds, crazy vocals and loud screaming over a melodic music. I still much prefer the other side where you can feel the harmony and melody of the song. Anyway, since every one love AI, I will try to embrace what ever theme they have on stage. :)

So, I'm expecting for eight different Rock Songs last night when someone told me that there will be only one song per each contestant plus two duets from them. Well, yeah its new on the show. They keeping this interesting as possible. It interest me since this will be the first, I think, that they will paired two contestant to perform in the show.

For my the solo performances...

Allison Iraheta - sings "Cry Baby". I chose her to be on the top list since I genuinely believe that this is a flaw less performance. Again, her phrasing of the song is superb and this song is definitely the best choice for her. She said, she is choosing "Someone To Love" together with "Cry Baby". Good thing she pick the latter. Kara says, "Janice is the right choice for you... I think you transform when you go on stage". Indeed, she grow a lot during the competition.

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Adam Lambert - sings "Whole Lotta Love". Again, this is just my opinion. Some says his vocal is perfect on the song.. maybe yes... but I'm really not convinced. But still he got a huge chance to win this whole thing. Ey, noticed that he cool down working on the stage a little bit. Maybe hes being cautious and still thinking of him being on the Bottom 2 last week. Randy says. 'This is the Adam that I love. dude... you are a rock stare tonight". Simon says, "I thought the performance was a little understated... no body can top that now". Ehem!

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Danny Gokey - sings "Dream On" by Aerosmith. This is actually a good performance if not just because of the last note he made. I love the song and I think this is a good song choice for him. I'll give him B+ for exerting an effort and try to pull off the song. Though he fails, I think its still forgivable. And remembering the last note... he scream like he is gargling a mouthwash there... Well now I know whose video he been watching now... Paula says, "I don't know if this was the right song for you. But I'm a huge fan. I give you an A+ for going for it".

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Kris Allen - sings "Come Together". This is a perfectly safe performance from him. A very safe song that you can notice the similarity of the arrangement to its original. But still, he win with the grate phrasing he put on the song... very Kris :). Kara(who?) says, "For me, this wasn't a great performance... you were trying too hard... wrong song... ther's more that what you deliver tonight". Okay what ever!

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On the battle of the duets I will give the top position to Allison an Adam who gave there all on their "Slowride" performance. They are both confident and fit great together. They have a good chemistry which made you feel that you are watching their own concert. On the other hand, Danny and Kris duets lack the chemistry that Allison and Adam has. They sound good yeah, blend their voices okay but the conviction is lacking. They lost specially on their solo parts. >deep sigh<

I think Kris is in danger to leave on the elimination night. He, out of the 4, had the very weak performance. Though I bet that his fans will do everything and anything to save him. Next pick to be booted is Danny.. yeah. I don't know if some people will feel turnoff on his scream. Adam and Allison on the other hand is more or less safe from the elimination but since the table is round, they might too leave if people don't support them.

American Idol 8 Top 5 - Elimination Result

This is the time of the season where the fans are going wild to save their favorites. If I too have a chance to throw some precious votes... why not? Who are safe? Danny? Adam? Kris? Allison? Matt? No one knows. Though the internet peeps think that Matt is going home... still no one is sure. It could be anyone.

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Group performance was up first on the elimination night. All of them are blending now. That's lovely.

After the break a clip of top 5 celebrating the birthdays of DAnny and Allison. BAking and cake throwing... wow! the mess on the mansion is all around!

Result next...

All of the idols are lined up on the stage. Matt Giraud was called first. He says he feel good about his performance the other night. Ryan ask him to stands on the right side of the stage... not telling if he is safe or not... They are up in splitting two groups now.... geez! Danny Gokey is next and was ask to stand on the other side... left. Allison Iraheta is next and was ask to join DAnny. Kris Allen is next who joins Matt afterwards.

Adam Lambert is left... He might be the only sure SAFE... but not. He was ask by Seacrest to choose which group he thinks he belongs in. Adam says he loves everbody. "Base on last night?" he ask, and he joins Allison and Danny...

Seacrest announces that Adam, Danny and Allison are not the Bottom 3... guiding Adam to join Matt and Kris which he then introduced as the Bottom 3. Every one is in shock. Even Danny and Allison who look together awestruck. What do they expect??? grrr!

Natalie Cole arrives on stage after the break singing "Something's Gotta Give". She looks younger at her age... being in the industry for 4 decades.. wow! Her voice is still full though the performance is pitchy.

Another break and former Idol Winner, Taylor Hicks is back to rock on stage... He is missing the likability sparks that he had before. I can't feel his performance unlike before... sorry.

Before the break Seacrest sends someone to the safety stool... and that is Kris who joins Danny and Allison. Matt and Adam are left in the Bottom 2.

Jaime Foxx performs "Blame It" after the break. I dont like the whole performance... geez It was a total mess for me. I don't know.

The journey is about to end with the two who left in the Bottom 2. And finally, the moments of truth came. Over 47 million of votes... Adam is SAFE...

MATT is going home.

Matt sings out for the last time. Not worrying if he will be save or not. He seems relaxed and expect what happens. The performance is better than the other night.

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So there Matt is finally sent home... I'm sad that he is already gone. I like the way he perform though he keeps on doing the "Timberlake Thing" always. I'm glad on what Kara says to him before the show ends, "One of the best things we did this season was save you".

I felt tired doing this now especially that my favorite is already gone... hahaha :D Just glad to know that this show is near to end in a month.

American Idol 8 Top 5 - Performance (Rat Pack)

This is it! Only five people remains in the competition. I wasn't that crazy about the theme or maybe because its very unfamiliar to me. I do some online research about it but I'm still blur on the depth and meaning of it. Week theme is "Rat Packs".

So what is especial about this week? I think it would be a more interesting to listen familiar song in order to give right compliments to the one deserves it. I thought that all of the performances are equally good if not great. It keeps me some times to pick the one who should be on the my top and bottom list. Its very difficult to choose who are the strongest and weakest specially if you're choosing among few people. All the remaining hopefuls are good on their own ways... that is why its difficult to choose the new front runner.

In some point of the show, I end up in speculations that this is the moment where in you will witness the judges favorites among the remaining contestant. I heard some compliments which was over given and harsh criticisms from others who not deserved to received it.

How did they do? Here is my take...

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Kris Allen - sings "The Way You Look Tonight". One of my favorite of the night. He pick a slow song and stays in tune all through out the performance. He definitely don't have a big crazy vocal which is his weakness but he knows how to interpret a good song... Very nice. He done a very good phrasing too which is his strenght. He really got it right. I just don't understand Simon who says, "I thought it was a little bit wet (???). I didn't get the feeling from you tonight that you can win this competition". Hmmm I think this is a bomb for supporters out there to save Kris to stays in the competition. Its a really waste of talent if he will be booted out this week.

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Allison Iraheta - sings "Someone To Watch Over Me". That husky vocal of her really catch my attention now. She hits a lot of nice high notes on the song. Good phrasing and nice arrangement. No doubt, she is indeed the only hope of all girls in the competition. She is the savior. hahaha.

She grown to be one of the front runners now. Having Allison around, I think, gave this competition a lot of kick than expected. She just need to produced some performance like this to stay in the competition. Most of the judges loves the performance but not Simon who says, "I have a horrible feeling you could be in trouble tonight". Hmmm.. this could be true in this point but this might also result to some furious fans who will throw precious votes to this girl just to save her. Let see...

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Danny Gokey - sings "Come Rain Come Shines". One of Danny's best vocal though there he is again who done an Over-The-Top performance on the latter part of the song. I just noticed that he got this monotone vocals to all of his performances. But it doens't matter, this is a great interpretation of the song. Randy says, "You are the only one I heard so far that could actually have an amble of songs like that and win…forget the connection stuff…this is a singing competition and you can sing"... Well, I think all of them can sing no?

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Matt Giraud - sings "My Funny Valentine". Wow! I like the song, I don't know why. His vocal is a bit shaky but he got some glory high notes there. I'm still sure he doesn't master his vocal range yet. Not crazy about the phrasing which I feel akward listening with too. Simon who disagree to Randy who says "It was a little bit pitchy" says "It was the only believable, authentic song I heard tonight…I heard some Nat King Cole kind of phrasing there". Oh my! He loves Matt. He really like to save him this week. But I'm worried. The competition is already tight and Matt definitely is in trouble this week. I'm sad :(

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Adam Lambert - sings "Feeling Good". I want to like the performance because I love the song... but I don't. I don't know... I'm not liking the arrangement either. Something is wrong out there. Add the different entrance he had on the stairs... I'm imagining him wearing a long gown...hahaha. I can't think of anything to describe his weird performance. But for sure... He gots a very crazy vocals. Paula says, "You make me feel better than good…watching you is like watching the Olympics and you are Michael Phelps". Can't forget his saliva flying when he says the first "Feeling Good". It feels good indeed :D

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Talented people remains, but for all we know, one of them will be leaving on the elimination night. My worst fear comes... Matt is the obvious pick to leave tomorrow night. He is been consistent on being the lowest vote getter on the past weeks and was just save by the judges using their "Veto". Allison on her sea-saw stands on the competition might be, indeed, in trouble as what Simon says, if no one still supports her.

I'm still craving for a shock elimination... and that will be between Danny and Adam. Though I might be more happy if it will be Danny :)

American Idol 8 Top 07.b - Elimination Result

There we're been a buzz from the net on who among the hopefuls will be leaving on the elimination night. Lil as the first pick and Matt or Anoop to join her. Last week, I been waiting for a familiar drama on the show where, Seacrest divide the group in two 3 peoples and will leave 1 spare who got the highest votes to choose among the two as who he thinks got the lowest numbers of votes. Waiting for another David Archuleta and Melinda DooLittle who will choose to sit at the middle of the stage and decided not to pick any of the group. Or another George Huff who decided to choose but was shocked to realized he is wrong...


A group dance/song choreograph by Paula Abdul as a starter. I am impressed on how they pull off this presentation. One of the best group presentation I think, though they are obviously lip sync-ing.

After the break the elimination started. Seacrest call Lil Rounds to stand up. After some yada-yada, he requested her to walk to the other side of the stage, she is one of the lowest vote getter. She wants this obviously.

Then Seacrest announced "Unfortunately... the journey ends for Lil Rounds tonight".

It's very quick... I was surprise and not expecting her to be eliminated just like that.

She sings out and was better than the other night. Then Simon says after the performance, "I'm a fan but you made some bad decision. I'm going to miss your family screaming". As if.. what ever!

Disco medley was next after the break. Seacrest introduced Freda Payne who sings "Band of Gold". Wow! That was pitiful. She is panting while singing... If I'm near, I'll tell her not to move a lot.. yeah. But they are good for their age... singing live on stage. She introduced Thelma Houston next who sings "Don't Leave Me This Way". She is better than the first singer. And yeah, I know the songs they sang. Wow.. I can relate hahaha. But I'm not born on their genre... Then KC from KC and the Sunshine band performed "Get Down Tonight" next. And... I don't want to comment more... I want to be polite you know.

Seacrest continue to deliver the result after the break. Kris Allen stands first. And he is SAFE followed by Adam Lambert who too is SAFE. Danny Gokey is next, some blah blah talk and was announced SAFE. He seems to think he is in the bottom 3 which I speculate too. His sisters are all good looking right(Off Topic)?

Anoop Desai is next. He thought he could have done better the other night...but over all he was happy with his performance. But people think the other way and he is in the Bottom 3. Allison Iraheta and Matt Giraud are next. Allison talks first. She says she changed her song because she is afraid to sound karaoke. Matt on the other hand, says he, himself, arranged the song to try to make it original which paid off because he is SAFE. I never thought Matt will be safe since Allison done a very good job the other night. Anyway, these two have the most few supporters on this show... I know!

Allison make her way on the stool and join Anoop while singing "Here it comes, here it comes, here it comes again..". She is soo funny. :)

Then after the break, David Archuleta performs "Touch Her Hand". He is a total performer... I'm just worrying about his voice. He nees to have some vocal rest for a while I think. After the song, he walks down to greet Anoop and Allison and gave them very good words of encouragement.

Anoop and Allison stand center stage. One of them will be leaving. And after over 45million votes.. "The second person going home tonight.." says Ryan, "... is Anoop". It means there is no all boys for the following week. Allison is SAFE.

Anoop sings out and was better than the other night. He says he is disappointed after but was glad he will going back to Chapel Hill. Lil joins her and both of them watch their video.

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Only 5 people left and this show soon to end. After a month a new champion will be hailed. Some says Adam can win this while the other says its Danny Gokey. I, in my opinion, think that Kris also have a chance to win this. His fan base is growing tremendously. Allison and Matt, on the other hand, are best to reached top 3. But still, the ball is round and anyone can bag the title. No one knows what could happen...

American Idol 8 Top 07.b - Performance (Disco)

I really had a very tough week but I'm still glad I manage to watch one of my favorite shows. I really tried to concentrate to feel connected on what I am watching but in someways, I felt so lost. Not sure why. What I know is that I still love this show.

Game!

This week theme... Disco Music! What can we expect?,... more of upbeat music and dancing. Who among the remaining Idols are good in dancing or let say, can really work the stage? 1 or 2? Believe me most of them didn't know how to work the stage. But did we witnessed all of what we expecting on the night's theme? NO! And because of that, I feel great... and relief :)

Relief, because I don't want to see another Danny Gokey's PYT move, I don't want to see another "Beat It" performance and another Justin Timberlake's move copy cat. (Okay, the last can be forgiven).

Who excel on this week performance? Did Adam does his thing? Did Matt proved again that he is worth to stay? How Kris manage to surpass the challenge to be away on his comfort zone? Is this the moment for Lil to showcase what she is in the music industry?

The verdict. All in all, I think the night performances are interesting. There are obvious standouts who out-shines the other. And here are my lists...

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Kris Allen - sings "She Works Hard For The Money". And yeah, that great acoustic version and good arrangement was the best performance of the night. By singing a girl song and made it as his own is probably one of the best and bravest decision made on this show. Very impressive. Paula says "There aren't many men who are willing to shop in the woman's department. Your shopped and found a perfect fit." Every one loves the performance. I bet on that.

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Adam Lambert - sings "If I Can't Have You". I never on my wild dream expect that Adam will not do his things on "Disco Night". We used to see him jumping around and screaming and this theme perfectly fit his style. Not been a fan of him, but I can't deny that he has a big change to bag this season's title. I'm not familiar with the song but I feel connected on him on some part of it. The vocal is there, less the growling sounds which i hate a lot, and you can feel the emotions. He just lost me when the song started to come to its end. Still one of his best.

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Allison Iraheta - sings "Hot Stuff". One of my favorite performances from her. She plays on the arrangement and it really paid off. Like her growling sound... hahaha. Big note at the end. She is indeed the hope of the girls on this competition. Self aware on what she can do and she is not afraid to show it. I like the arrangement really, unlike Randy who says "I didn't love the arrangement, it was a little over-indulgent for me... but you're one of the best singers in this competition."

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Matt Giraud - sings "Staying Alive". A metaphor of him being save last time as per Seacrest, I thought that his performance save him for another week or two. He hits some high notes there. Pleasant to hear and he is staying in tune. I just always worrying about his falsetto which he haven't mastered yet. I really like him to sail through the finals... but having Kris, Allison and Adam as the Front Runners, the best he can reach is top 4 or 3. The judges love his performance but not Simon who says, "... It come a cross a bit desperate". Hay... well...

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Danny Gokey - sings "September". This is one of the song that I want to hear on any disco houses which make me dance. One of Danny's weak performance I would say. He is shouting most of the time. Never mind the dancing now... it is still bearable... hahaha. Kara says "You are an incredible vocalist...your pitch is so right on... you never have an issue". Hmm, I think Kara is deaf... she hadn't heard the yelling? Wow.

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Anoop Desai - sings "Dim All The Lights". He really is not fit to do upbeat songs. The first part of the performance is okay, but got dull when it goes to up tempo. He also seems to be not comfortable on what he is doing up on stage. Anyway, I know someone who will love what ever he does. Simon says, "That was mediocre at best. I prayed that the tempo wouldn't come in. It was horrible version of that song... genuinely that was your worst performance by a mile". Wow, he really throw him under the bus!

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Lil Rounds - sings "I'm Every Woman". It was a karaoke version of the song at its best. Totally off pitch. I'm really sad to see what happens to her. She is one of the contestant who lost her own identity throughout the competition. She is confused. Geez. I can't stop my self to compare her to what happens to Von Smith who follows the judges advice and lost his self because of that. This is the last time we can see Lil on the competition I'm sure.

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So there, its very predictable who will be going home after watching all the contestant performed. Since the "Veto" was used to save a person last week, two of the hopefuls will be voted off on the elimination night. This was cleared by Simon last week. I think Anoop and Lil sings their last songs on the show. But I'm also worrying that Matt is one of the two who will be leaving due to lack of support from his fans.

I'm also open to a shock elimination which I been waiting for the past 4 or 5 weeks now. My top pick to be eliminated if ever we had the unexpected elimination would be Danny Gokey but I will be so much grateful if its Adam who will be the one to go home... hahaha.

But if America hear the right notes and favored everything and follow the right ways of picking the weak performers...

... Lil and Anoop will say goodbye to us.

American Idol 8 Top 07 - Elimination Result

They done it!

The precious "Veto" was used on the elimination night... I love this show! I love this twist.. I love them for saving my favorite. Gah!

Wow. It was the most amazing night I witnessed from the show. Amazing than seeing Simon gave a standing-ovation. Amazing than seeing a flawless, perfect performance from any of the contestants, and bested than any spoiler and controversy about anyone on the show. Who will not be static seeing someone almost ousted to give a chance to be saved back? Nah! Wild-card selection is nothing if compare to what happen last night... this is what I call History!

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Started with the video of the other night performances and a premier preview of Zac Efron's new movie "18 again". I think its a good movie... though I really don't like Zac... hehehe.

And the result...

They call Allison Iraheta first from the top couch and was announced safe followed by Adam Lambert who says he felt not insulted by Simon's comparison of his "Born To Be Wild" to a "Rocky Horror Picture Show". Well he still horrific hahaha. Anoop Desai was left and was announced to be in the bottom 3.

Jennifer Hudson performed her new single, "If This Isn't Love", after the break. She is one of the successful former Idol contestants and just won a Grammy!

After another break, Ryan interviewed Anoop and ask the judges what they think about him being in the Bottom 3. Paula is a bit surprised while Simon thinks he deserve to be there...arg! Kris Allen and Lil Round are next. Ryan ask Kris if he feels sorry he didn't play his guitar... he says he wasn't. Simon interrupted and says, " Kris, you are brilliant"... Wow! (hmmm I smell some feud between Simon and Randy now) After a few talks Ryan finally says, "Kris the bottom 3 is... (hang a moment) your going to have to take a seat... on the couch". Lil joins Anoop on the stool, she is in the bottom 3!

Matt Giraud and Daney Gokey stand up next. Matt says he might sing the song straight and not to make it own if he had a chance to re-do it. Gokey on the other hand says he is confident about his arrangement. Randy fire back Simon and throw his comment for Danny and says, "You worked it out last night!". Ryan continues and announced Gokey as safe. Matt is in the bottom 3 which is expected since he was teamed to Danny (I'm sad) . Before they queue for the break Seacrest call the Bottom 3 and send back Anoop to the Safe couch, leaving Matt and Lil waiting for their fate.

Miley Cyrus a.k.a. Hanna Montana sings after the break.. wow.. she's.. she's... I cant listen more hahaha. I'm so rude... sorry :) - end

After the dreadful performance of Miley, Ryan ask Simon if they will use the "Save". Simon replied and said there is one he would consider saving (I had a feeling that it's not Lil).

After the break, Matt and Lil stand on the center stage. Seacrest deliver and announced, "After the nationwide vote of over 36 million, Lil...I'm afraid you're going to have to endure the competition at least one more week".

Matt Giraud is Eliminated!

Matt is smiling... he is ready to fight and prove to the judges he is good to be save. The crowd is cheering while he perform. Wow! A lot bad notes there, he seems desperate to be saved. The two girl judges are going wild too!

After the performance... everyone is shouting SAVE... SAVE.. SAVE.. they love Matt now! Wow! They didn't care on what the judges are playing at.. hahaha. Then Simon says "You doesn't have a chance to win this competition"... The other judges protested... Simon continues, "Matt, we've made a decision... and it's good news."

My heart jumped in excitement while watching the other contestant rushed to hug Matt. He was been saved!

Simon continues and says “I wouldn’t be so quick to congratulate him,” he warns , “Number one, two people are going home next week, second piece of bad news…next week is disco week.”

Who cares!

And everyone is Happy!

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So there, the History of the save was made... Love it!

American Idol 8 Top 7 - Performance (Movie)

Back to the crazy world!

Last week, after I return from the other planet, the first thing I do is checked the AI site to see who was been eliminated. There I found Scott McIntyre, being the casualty of the last elimination night. Anyway, one of the highlights of last week performance I learn is the Adam-Simon "What-a-great-performance-Ovation", which is way too cool. This, I think, is the first time Simon give a Standing-O to a contestant...agree?

This week theme are songs from the Movies...will Anoop Desai sing the theme song from "Slumdog Millionaire"? Who knew? It might be happen. I haven't visited MJ Blog to check for the spoiler so I haven't had any Idea about the Idols song choices. But what ever song it is... I will never stop to comment hahaha.

Seven Idols left and most of my early favorites were been eliminated one by one. Kris, Matt and Allison are the only people I really love to watch. Danny Gokey made me confuse all the time... I really love his voice but I have a slight likability issue with him... I don't know. Anoop is in the middle of my list though my friends keep on supporting him. And there the "Golden" Adam Lambert, whom I really can't understand the drama he is doing...

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Now, below are the performances which I list down from my favorite to least...

Allison Iraheta - sings "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" from the movie Armageddon. I love the song choice. One of her best performances. This song is really difficult to sing. I even tried to sing this song but failed. hehehe. She really is one of the top contender this year. The uniqueness of her voice adds the spice on the song which make me more love it. Simon says, "You are the girls only hope left in this competition right now... we could see you all the way through to the end", I really agree!

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Danny Gokey - sings "Endless Love". I'm sure I heard lots of bad notes on his performance but I still put him on my top spot. I feel him... He got a lot of inspiration while singing the song... I bet his thinking about his wife (RIP). He really convince me about his emotion. He sings accompanied by a Harp, though I barely heard the music from the instrument. Simon says he is disappointed about the performance, while Paula loving it... well :)

*** Noticed on last night episode that only two judges commented each time a contestant done their performances... I think they did this set up to save time... hahaha.. why not they remove Kara on that panel? ***

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Kris Allen - sings "Falling Slowly". Not familiar with the song choice and the movie it came from. I wasn't sure if every one will love the performance.. other side of my mind told me to like it and the other not. So I'm a bit confused. I will still give him points on vocal which I think keeps on getting stronger. He really grows a lot in this competition. Kara likes it but Randy doesn't. He will still be safe this week I know!

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Adam Lambert - sings "Born To Be Wild". His darker side came back! The eye liner and the black finger nails... hahaha. I'm not really fascinated on rock music like this. But he really is very interesting. He knows how to play the stage. Paula says "One of bravest contestants I ever witnessed..." while jumping out on her seat. Yeah, he is one of the bravest but horrific contestant I witnessed :) peace!

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Matt Giraud - sings "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman" by Brian Adams from the movie "Don Juan". What a coincidence that were discussing this song with one of my friends earlier... I like Brian Adam and I like the song too.

I think Matt is still on experimenting stage. For the past few weeks he seems to try if he is versatile enough to pull a different kind of songs.. I really like his soul voice and he brings back it on this performance. He failed to hit those high notes and even failed to keep on the melody especially on the bridge part of the song. I still like the performance but not static enough to feel that he will be safe this week. He's been a very consistent low vote getter a few weeks ago and I'm afraid that this will be his last performance on Idol :(.

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Anoop Desai - sings another Bryan Adam's song, "Everything I Do" from "Robin Hood". He is staying on being a balladeer in the show now. Good for him. He hit the first note badly, I think. I love to like the song but I feel lost on some part of his performance. Emotion is very important to me in judging if a performance is great or not and I don't feel his emotion is unique. I don't know... maybe it just me. Kara and Randy both approved and praised him.

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Lil Rounds - sings "The Rose". She is really lost. She failed on delivering that song. Lots of pitch problem here and there. I really don't know now if she is good or not. She can hit a big not though. But her being an R&B artist is really lost... missing. Simon says "I think that you are getting this completely wrong...". And she seems to be pissed that she started to back talk. Wow! FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!

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There, It's really hard to choose whose going back home tonight. But I think Lil will be the unfortunate one... hahaha.

Bottom three would be Anoop, Matt and Lil or Matt, Lil and Danny... I'm craving for another shock elimination to happen. If Lil is going to leave, I bet the judges will not save her (they hated the back talking thing... especially Simon).

There are still some possibilities that either Anoop or Matt will be leaving at this point. Anoop for being on the bottom 3 consistently and Matt for having another a so-so performance. If Anoop comes to the moment of saving his life to the judges... they will not save him even though Simon likes him. Matt on the other hand has a bit chance to be save by their "Veto". He is one of those the judges want to keep.

And for SHOCKER... my pick would be Danny... and of course he will be save!

American Idol 8 Top 09 - Elimination Result

I don't know where to start now.. My brain is not working properly(as if it works okay before). I'm still in taste of two consecutive disappointment since last night...I'm easy to be affected of anything around me.. so bear with me and wide your understanding :).

Okay, another hopeful was ousted on elimination night.. I sticked on my pick on who will be ousted.. I have a strong feeling that I am correct again on choosing who will leave. Ofcourse, I'm still denying the fact that Megan and Matt are also on the list to leave the show...

... Let start with the judges giving their view about the song choices on last episode.. on how some these contestant picked the wrong songs.. (I am still convince that the episode lacks its spark). Others talked about having conviction and confidence... and set Adam as example. Simon thinks Anoop, Matt and Megan should be worried and in line for elimination.

Group song next. like the early group songs, this is pre-recorded one... I'm sure about this already :). They sings the top download songs on iTunes by Journey's "Don't Stop Believing". Scott playing the piano again while other move around to give us some entertainment... end with the flash of Adam's color black finger nails... :D

Then, a video of Ford commercial shooting shown next. The contestant are all loving these things. Pictorials, pictorials and lots of pictorials... Then on the mansion showing the contestants messing around.. Impersonating each other.. Matt to Danny singing "Hero". This continues live when Seacrest ask Danny to impersonate Matt.. trying to copy his "Viva La Vida" singing style which I found kinda mean. Allison to Danny singing "P.Y.T". And the best among all, Anoop impersonate Kris, singing "How Sweet It Is"...I was entertained... for the WIN!

Then the moment every one is waiting for.. the Result!

Seacrest splits the nine remaining contestants into three groups. First calling Meagan, Matt and Kris sending them to the farthest side of the stage. Next, Adam, Lil and Allison who stand at the center. Lastly, Scott, Danny and Anoop who stands at the other side.

A performance from last year winner David Cook singing "Come Back To Me" after the break. Then he received his Platinum Record for reaching 1,000 sales of his album.. wow!

After the break, Ryan continue on delivering the result. Pulling out the safe one randomly.. Thought he will pick the the group who received the lowest numbers of votes :(. From the first group, Kris Allen and Matt Giraud was sent back to the couch leaving Megan.. she is in the Bottom 3.. NO! Ryan continue on the second group. Sending Lil Round on the couch. Allison next and she is in the Bottom 3, followed by Adam who was sent instantly to the safe team. Last group next. Danny Gokey was called first, and of course is SAFE, leaving Anoop and Scott. One is safe the other is not. Randy says, it should be Anoop. Anoop says, "I had a feeling, watching the performance back, I can understand too". And yes, he is in the bottom 3. Scott is SAFE.

After the break, a performance from Lady Gaga, singing her hit song "Poker Face". My friend love the performance.. same as I.

Then before the break Seacrest ask Simon if anyone is worth to save which Simon reply, "Just one". I know its Allison!

Back from the break, Seacrest sent Allison to the SAFE side leaving Anoop and Megan. Megan seems to think she will be leaving, making some fun. Smiling, waving and faux frightened face. Then Seacrest annouced:

"The person who came in at the bottom and faces elimination is...Megan!"

She really knows its her time. The judges did not even contemplate to save her...

... Then she sings out... She is still happy.. a more joyful performance than the other night.

After the last performance, she thanks all the people on Idol and call for her Baby. Awww, She missed him soo much :(.

Then the video of Megan's journet to Idol..

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Geez... I felt sad :(.. She is gone now.. Thought I could still see more of her on the showm huhuhu :(

American Idol 8 Top 09 - Performances

Okay, I never heard what the "Theme" for this week is. It's just yesterday when I found out that for the first time the contestant were given the liberty to choose a song of today... to be current.

But wait, am I heard it right? They are choosing any song they like as long as it is popular downloads on I-tunes... hmmm any song that can be downloaded on I-tunes makes it popular.. right? so It doesn't mean that we can only heard current song on this episode.... anyway....

....I'm hoping to be entertained since I have a strong feeling that at this point, these contestants knows where their comfort zones lies on. To choose songs that will benefit their vocal qualities and to show what kind of singers they are. But I was confused. I thought I was on a different world.. I can't feel them.. I felt unattached on the show.. from my own favorites.. :(


Well, there are still standouts from the night shows.. vocals are still there. I think thats enough to move on. My list shows the strongest to weakest performances last night...

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Kris Allen - sings "Ain't Know Sunshine". An old song which Kris made new. An awesome arrangement and performance from this unnoticeable guy. He can no longer stand behind the shadow of well pimped Adam and Danny.. He is one of the "Front Runner" now. From the past 3 weeks in a row, he shows us what he can do.. what he is. He grow fast and keep growing still. I now believe in him... He can hold on till the end I bet. The best performance of the night for me. Kara says, "That is artistry"... I agree!

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Danny Gokey - sings "What Hurts The Most" by Rascal Flatts. Okay, I'm actually think twice before I put him on the second spot. I considered Adam to be on this spot but I change my mind and weigh their performance based on sincerity.. where I feel connected.. a little.

So there is Danny wins the second spot on my list. He tried to reach some higher notes there but fails. Some sounds are not good.. But the performance is full of emotions... I feel it. Simon says, "This week, I thought, it was your best performance".

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Adam Lambert - sings "Play That Funky Music". Back to his over-the-top performance, he tried to make this one of the old song current. It doesn't sound current to me, but I still agree that he can sing any songs he want to sing. I like the first part of the arrangement. I like his look now.. I mean the face without black eyeliner... He looks clean. "True genius", says Paula.

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Scott McIntyre - sings "Just The Way You Are" by Billy Joel. I like the song.. the performance is above average. He looks like struggling to reach some notes there.. I still love the piano and watching him play. His best performance I think. Better than his Jackson's night. Don't like the hair though. He is still an inspiration.. Randy says, "One of the best". This performance help him stay in the show longer.. a week or two I think. Scott is Love!

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Allison Iraheta - Sings "Don't Speak". The judges commented more on her outfit and not the vocals. Well I think she is quite good. The correct song choice for her. She got the chops and do well on the phrasing of the song. She didn't try to be somebody.. she try to be her.. her alone. The judges are really harsh on her... Simon says, "You shouted the song"... I think.. NOT!

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Lil (little) Rounds - sings "Surrender" by Celine Dion. Well this is the shouting they talking about. Shes trying to be somebody.. Theres no uniqueness on that performance. The arrangement is not different from the original. She's loosing herself there.. Anthony Federov out-sang her in this one. Simon says, "I found it quite similar to a wedding performance".

I was touch by her children... She cried seeing them off stage :(.

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Anoop Desai - sings Usher song, "Caught Up". I don't know how to say this right.. but argh!, I'm not loving it. His vocal is still there. Performance is a bit "trying-hard". A very amateur performance for me. He tried to hang on. Kara calls it as Frat-Boys performance.... hmmm

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Matt Giraud - sings "You Found Me". To try new, he sings around the bunch of audiences. The song choice is definitely not right for him. The vibrato is in force. The soul voice is no where to be found. I'm lost on the performance. He seems like not so comfortable. Everything is flying. I'm worried that this might be his last performance... NO! He can still hang on.

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Megan Joy Corkrey - sings "Turn Your Light Down Low". I thought this song is good for her. But there are lots of pitch problem toward the performance. I love the song. I like the fact that she tried her best to deliver the song to us. I'm afraid this is her moment.. but I want to believe she will be saved.

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As I said, I want to believe that my favorites will be saved for elimination.. We love them, right? We want more from them. That is if every one agree to throw votes to save them. My bottom three would be Anoop, Matt and Megan.

If I will believe on a clear sign, Megan or Matt will be leaving us. Matt the very first since no one loves him. Megan is pretty and Simon loves her so she still got a slight change to come back. If America vote right base on the performances of the night.. Megan will be in trouble. And if that happen the Judges will not save her. Definitely not!

My choice to be eliminated would be Anoop. His light keeps on dimming.

If there is another shock elimination like what happen on country night... It will be Lil.

American Idol 8 Top 10 - Elimination Result

Geez, I thought everything is a JOKE...

What happen? Why the H#** he's sitting at the stool? Matt Giraud? Bottom 3.. the worst, bottom 2? AI is indeed a popularity contest. And it only shows that my bet is not popular... I'm sad :(

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Well atleast I was entertained. First, I heard songs that I really like. Second, I see my love Megan dance awkwardly with the other two girls on their lipsynch performance. And lastly, watching the legend... the wonder Stevie!

Yep, as I said before.. I had a strong feeling that they are lip synch-ing in the show. Found this article online. Anyway I don't feel cheated so its still okay. Atleast they are still the one who recorded the song. :D.

So there, after the group song and commercial, Ruben Studard perform his new single, "Together". The song is very interesting.. I still like Ruben. Really like his R&B sound voice. Let's not talk about his huge suit.. hahaha.. He still great.. but he sweat a lot... tissue please! Kidding :)

After the break, a few chat with the Idol about their great ride on a private plane to Detroit.. I saw Scott yawning :). If I heard correctly the other night, Michael is not with them due to illness... hmmm.. Then....

... the moment all had been waiting for. Seacrest call Adam from the top couch.. review... then was announced SAFE. Matt called out next... I'm in a great mood.. when suddenly... he is in the Bottom 3.. NOOOOOO! Matt isn't happy, so do I. Kris was called next... He thought he too is in the Bottom 3, Seacrest faked him again.. but he is SAFE. Lil Rounds and Michael Sarver are next.. Anyone can be in the Bottom 3... Is it Lil? or Is it Michael... (at the back of my head... "Please be it Michael"). Seacrest review past season contestants who perform the same song sang by Lil the other night which unfortunately sent them to the Bottom spot... but not Lil, she is SAFE. Michael is in the Bottom 3.. yey!

Smokey Robinson, this week mentor, performs after the break. Wow, he is still in good shape.. the voice is interesting.. I like it! He duet with that girl which I lost the name.. :(

The next set of elimination begins. Allison was called first and was SAFE. Seacrest calls Anoop on the other side of lower couch next. He is SAFE too. Danny Gokey next and is SAFE. My heart is pounding... my two favorites left.. Scott and Megan. Megan is more experienced to hang in survival.. But Scott is not nervous either. Seacrest announced Scott in the Bottom 3. Megan looks surprised yet happy... Im torn..

Matt, Michael and Scott is the Bottom 3. Seacrest ask Randy who he thinks not deserve to stand center stage and faced elimination. Randy reply back and declares Matt shouldn't be there (they are declaring Matt is one of the front runner now in the show for the past week). Matt is hurting inside. To add up, Scott was sent back to the couch.. He is safe, leaving Michael and Matt as the Bottom 2.

I am contemplating.. If Matt got the lower number of votes.. will the judges force to SAVE him.. they love him now. On the other hand, if Michael is the one.. they will kid every body and play as if they will try to consider in saving him.... anyway...

The moment is here.. the "wonder" sings after the break. Performing my most loved songs.. "My Cherry Amour", "Superstitious" - (I remember Ricky Brady in some moments there), "Overjoyed" and "All About The Love Again". I really like Stevie.. he is still wonderful. Most of the contestant are grooving... I felt sad for the other two who are standing far away from them.. waiting... sigh!

Back from the break. They dimmed the lights, then.... "Who will sing for survival tonight" says Ryan...

Michael Sarver got the lowest number of votes.. Matt is SAFE!

On the stage Michael drop a joke, "I have to sing after Stevie, crap!". Then he started to sing "Too Proud To Beg" again. He is in his full self.. not proud but humble. The judges play as if they are discussing again.. the girls are halfheartedly swaying and dancing during the performance.

Then after Michael done singing... Simon says, "We haven't decided yet". Who are they kidding? Then afterwards, Simon says, " I have to make the decision. Michael, you're going home".

Michael is smiling while watching his journey clip on Idol... then the other join and hug him afterwards.

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So there, Michael is out now. I'm not throwing him out of the window just because I hated him. I just don't feel his thing. He don't have a chance to win in this show too.. so its okay. Atleast he got the exposure and he will be on tour with the other 9 contestants.

In this Elimination episode I can't stop to think what will happen next week? Does Matt already counting his time on the show? Would America still save Megan? Scott? Are they going to stick on favoring Danny and Adam? The answer next week......