The performances are off to a great start this year! Well, not everyone, of course. But I'm enjoying the show, as always.

Mandisa opened on the girls' night, and rocked the hizzouse. Kellie Pickler sucked, but no one cares, since she's so hot (not by my standards, but definitely by generic social standards). Ayla Brown has the weirdest mouth, but sang better than I thought she was going to. I keep entirely forgetting about that one blonde girl until I see her picture. What's her name? Right, Heather Cox. I don't even remember what she sang. I do remember Stevie Scott, but only because she was intensely boring. Paris Bennett and Lisa Tucker were absolutely phenomenal, which was to be expected. I love "Midnight Train to Georgia"! Paris is such a natural performer, and she's so adorable, to boot. Too cool.

The other girls were all right. Katherine McPhee annoys me based on personality alone, and I have to disagree with Simon that she was the best of the night. Simon, haven't you heard of the recency effect (which of course I'm studying in school right now)?? The only reason you liked her best was because she was the one you saw last, and she made you forget about previous contestents due to retroactive interference. (Who says American Idol can't help me study?)

Speaking of annoying: Brenna. Wow.

My picks for who's going home:
1) Stevie Scott (least votes)
2) Heather Cox

As for the men, dude, they rocked! Ace Young is pretty, and he can sing. He will go far. David Radford, the crooner, seriously looked like he was going to cry after they told him he sucked. Simon's comment, "It was like a bad joke," was especially harsh. Poor guy. But yeah, he wasn't good. I still think he'll stay a while, based on 11 year old girls having the hots for him. Speaking of the youngsters out there, these guys were making me laugh with comments like, "When I was 8, I listened to this song over and over. And now, eight years later, I get to perform it." Note to the guys - nothing could possibly make you sound younger. It's only been eight years since you were eight years old?? Holy cow, you dudes are so young! Well, those who said that, anyway.

Gedeon is annoying as hell. And he looks just like Steve Harvey. Simon said, "And your smile bugs me." Me, too, Simon. Me, too.

Then there's Will Maker, who looks like Peter Brady (not Bobby Brady, Paula!). That guy should start calling himself William; I keep hearing Wilma Car, when he says his name. Will Makar. Wilma Car. Oh, well. He did pretty nicely, I thought.

Sway sang a song I'd never heard, all in falsetto. I wasn't sure what I thought until he popped that high note with intensity, and it was completely on key. That dude is a superstar!

Not a superstar? Bobby Bennett. Wow. I thought I was going back in time with that guy. Where was his big band orchestra? He's so goofy, too, like a real life comic strip character. Very odd.

Elliott was unbelievably good, and of course, my man, Taylor Hicks did not disappoint. Just looking at that guy makes me smile. He has a seriously contagious joy for life, and I just like everything about him. Awesome, awesome, awesome. I voted for him lots!!

The other guys were fine but not remarkable.

My picks for who's going home:
1) Bobby Bennett
2) Bucky Covington, or possibly, Kevin Covais. I actually like Kevin, but I don't think he'll make it that far. He's good, just not incredible.

We'll see what happens! I love this show!