Matt Giraud, Out and Adam Lambert Landed on Bottom 2

First off, kudos to the rest of the contestants for giving us a good show on the Top 5 Performance Night on American Idol Season 8. Now, we're no longer being tortured with so-so type of singing. I really can't forget when Scott sang The Search is Over, it almost has broken my eardrums. Oh well, I have moved on after the search really became over for Scott and Lil and now Matt. I intentionally left Anoop out. I would want to see him reach the Top 5 spot to know what else he can give. I know that he won't survive the Rock and Roll week eventually.

The eliminations night caught me by surprise. All along, I thought that Adam Lambert is indispensable. I thought that we are only waiting who is going to be pitted against him on finals night. Maybe people got too irritated with the judges' blatant commendation of the guy that they did not vote for him like they used to. And Allison, instead, got the votes that prevented her from landing in the Bottom 3. She was so good on performance night. I agree with other people that Simon said that he thought that she'll be in danger this week to make the sympathy votes pour into her phone line. It worked, right?

I refuse to like Danny Gokey but he was also good last Tuesday. Adam was being set up to win the ball game. He always has nice stage lighting, position and Tuesday's grand entrance. But the guy is also superb. I told you, the show is getting better as it comes near its end. Among all the contestants, Matt deserves his fate. It was written all over his face Tuesday night. If Allison still doesn't pose the "I will win" kind of confidence, Matt's looks give the "I will definitely be the one to be booted out next" impression.

Anything is still possible to happen. Much as the judges would like to think that it will be an Adam-Danny finale, it can still be anybody's ballgame. Is it too much to ask if I would wish for an Allison-Kris finale? That would be awesome. I still hope that Kris will make it to the finals and eventually win. I wonder how he will fare on next week's theme, which is Rock and Roll. He should really give his best because this is the genre where Allison and mighty Adam excel.

I Refuse to Watch Tayong Dalawa

I am no longer watching Tayong Dalawa, sigh. I used to be an avid fan. The story was good, especially whenever Kim Chiu or Gerald Anderson is on screen. But now as the show progresses and it seems like the executives want to highlight Jake Cuenca as its main lead, I refuse to watch it.

I can't really take the sight of this former Kapuso star on screen. It was tolerable at first because the advertisements promised that this would be a Kim-Gerald-Jake soap. Right now, Gerald's character appears to be Jake's support. Kim's character was so stagnant, it is already irritating.

It will be better if Kim and Gerald will be taken out of this soap. Let's see how Jake would turn this to another flop like "Palos." The story is getting bigger and complicated, for Jake and some of the older casts. But Gerald and Kim are not being given what they rightly deserve. There are even days when they would be on screen for some minutes or even seconds, and the rest of the show would be dominated by Jake's over acting.

I think that the team-up of Gerald and Kim should not be treated as if Jake is a bigger star than these two. The publicists of Jake, the tandem of the equally hated tabloid columnists, Cristy Fermin and Alfie Lorenzo, are doing everything to ruin Gerald and Kim while pouring undeserved praises for their boy toy, Jake.

The second reason why I can no longer watch the show is because it is being pre-empted by the show of another former Kapuso actress that I hate seeing on screen, Angel Locsin. For the remake of Only You, ABS CBN management gave the show big budget and they even shot on location in Korea. Now that really makes me feel sad about the fate of Kim and Gerald's My Girl. The show was not as grand as Angel's Only You. But Kim got the attention of the public for being versatile and for being good in any genre given to her. Try to watch Angel's acting. She could be paired with Jake and the show should bear the title, "Over Acting Galore."

The management of ABS CBN should not blame the fans of Kim and Gerald for reacting violently about the news of a possible team-up of Gerald with Sarah Geronimo. They have not given the fans what they want to see from their favorite loveteam yet, a quality show where the two will be the leads and a quality movie far from the crappy launching material given to them.

And if ABS CBN really value their viewers, they will prioritize stars who started with them, whom most Kapamilya viewers would love to see often both on films and TV. If they will insist on bombarding the boob-tube with Jake Cuenca's irritating acting or Angel Locsin's trying hard acting(?), they will continuously lose their loyal viewers. It is not bad to be number 2. But when their morning show like Ruffa and Ai keeps being beaten by TV5's Bratz' reruns, it begins to feel shameful, ain't it?

American Idol Bids Adieu to Lil and Anoop (Instead of Matt!)

It was supposed to be Disco Night on Tuesday's Top 7 Performance Night on American Idol Season 8. But most contestants turned the arrangement of their songs to sound like ballad, so it would be easier to sing (I guess). The ones who stood out that night were, of course, Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta.

For the elimination round a while back, Lil Rounds finally left the Idol stage. But it was Anoop Desai who got the boot instead of Matt Giraud, who, despite of good vocals, do not have what it takes to be a star. The bad news of the night was that Allison landed in the bottom 3 and she didn't deserve that.

Now here are the remaining finalists to compete for the rest of the season's episodes. It would have been nicer if it was Anoop who was included on the Top 5 rather than Matt.

A Wasted Save on American Idol Top 7 Elimination Round

The judges used the Save on this season's American Idol for Matt Giraud who will likely be eliminated next week together with Lil Rounds. I don't know what's up with the judges. Maybe they just want the remaining contestants to feel the pressure so that they would perform their best and stop giving us, the viewers, mediocrity.

This is how I want the next episodes to be. Matt and Lil are going to be booted out next week. The next one will be Anoop Desai. No matter how he tries, it will be hard to gain the kind of popularity he once enjoyed because he let his true colors show too early. As a star, you should not only be mindful of how you perform in public. You should also be seen as someone with good character, especially when people are still judging if they want you to be a star or not.

After Anoop, it's time to bid Danny Gokey's sad stories goodbye. He is charismatic and he seems nice. But compared to the remaining three, he appears to be amateurish while the three are on their way to sounding like professionals.

Allison will be the next to go after Danny. But this girl will be given opportunities even if she won't be able to bag the big prize.

In the end, it will be Adam versus Kris. Adam will scream and screech, change his looks and even come out in the open about his sexuality. Kris is simply going to be Kris, like he had always been from the start and he will eventually win the competition.

This is how I want things to happen for this season's Idol. But as for now, I still have to endure one more week with Matt and Lil. After they are gone, the show will be more exciting to watch. And I might have a change of heart of who goes first before Kris will be announced as the American Idol Season 8 champ.

Kris Allen for the Win and the Other Performances on American Idol Top 7

I'm listening now at the performances of the remaining 7 on the American Idol season 8 at Rickey's, of course. Allison, Anoop and Adam were okay. At this point of the competition, we ought to be amazed by their performances like how Adam did last week. But this feels strange, their performances aren't still giving out the star quality. They are still not able to convince us that their albums will be worth investing on or that we should pay to see them on a concert stage.

Matt Giraud had a "Beat It" moment. That was the worst song that Anoop will be remembered for. And Matt's Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman can cause him to lose the battle altogether. Well, I still haven't heard Lil Rounds.

Sorry Danny Gokey, you may have a good voice but I can't stand listening to the song that you chose. I am amazed though that someone still sings Diana Ross' Endless Love these days.

I am not familiar with the song Kris Allen chose. But wow, he gives me the chills. His performance could be included in a movie's OST and people will buy it. He definitely is the next Idol. I am dreading the next mp3 that I'd listen to. But well, for the heck of it, I want to know if Lil Rounds got to redeem herself this time. Um, I dozed off with the flats and was awaken when she tried to raise the very last note. Okay Matt, I think you are saved. Lil deserves to go home more than you do.

Hmm, my bets for the bottom 3 are Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud and Anoop Desai. I also love Anoop but I don't want to see Allison in that position. Lil will be booted out and Simon wouldn't want to give her a chance to impress them because there is no chance that the judges will save Lil.

Scott is Out of the American Idol 8 Ballgame

Before the next performance night begins, here was the result of last week's elimination round. The good news is that we no longer have to be tortured with Scott MacIntyre's non-singing prowess. He might be good in playing the piano, but quit trying too hard with the electric guitar, and his voice is bordering to that of William Hung. But of course, he is an inspiration for how he stood tough throughout his life despite his condition. But the stage apt for professional singers is not for him. Maybe he is not the kind of blind person that hides behind dark eyeglasses like Stevie Wonder. But he is no Stevie Wonder and I don't think that he can ever be.

As for Adam Lambert's performance that made Simon Cowell stood up and applaud for what he had done, I think that people were more amazed at how Cowell reacted than on Lambert's show. Well, it was good. It was the best performance of the night. The start was good. There was the heart, the artistry, the drama on the whole getup. But admit it, he almost choked on the latter part. During the recap of how everybody did that night, Adam's part which was supposed to cap it all off was cut and was made too short because it ruined the overall appeal of his performance.

The way I see it, Simon gave the standing ovation because they could no longer give their comments due to lack of time. But still, Adam remains to be a very strong contender because he is becoming better and better. But I'm still rooting for Kris Allen. As for this week, I want Lil Rounds to be booted out.

All My Most Hated TV Actors in One Kapamilya Show

Wow, ABS CBN really impressed me this time. I saw the write-ups at the very controversial PEP of the upcoming show about the pocketbook stories turned into TV series. I just can't believe that they have included all the stars that I hate seeing on TV in that show. This doesn't include Roxanne Guinoo, by the way, because she seems nice. I think that her showbiz career is being slowed down by her craziness when it comes to love.

The other casts of the show include ABS CBN's pet, Jake Cuenca. More actors deserve the kind of roles this one is getting. And the network is keeping him uber busy these days, with Tayong Dalawa, movie and this soon to be shown flop series. And the greater news is that Jake will be paired with Cristine Reyes. Again, there are many original Kapamilya stars who deserve the roles that she has been getting. This girl feels that she is already a big star. There was a time when she made an act ala-Heart Evangelista, by not accepting a role for an afternoon series because she wants her show to be on primetime. Who watched Eva Fonda? Raise your hands. Okay, one, two…

Valerie Concepcion, who likes this girl? Raise your hands. One… No more? Enough said.

And drum roll, Mariel Rodriguez. Well, at least this girl is no longer acting as if we are not aware that she is a bitch. She entered the PBB house as a sweet and bubbly girl. And she came out as herself, someone who hates the masses, loves to curse and loves talking about people behind their backs. I am beginning to like her actually because she is no longer pretending. She is naughty and sometimes bad, but she is no longer acting as if she's sweet.

So who is excited about this show? Raise your hands. Pssst (T2 mode). This is another suicidal move for ABS CBN. It would have been better if they casted the original PBB Season 1 housemates. This could be a reunion project and sort of thawing phase for their frozen careers.

Megan Joy Ended Her American Idol Journey

Good news, the three top performers last night, Kris, Adam and Danny were all safe. Bad news, and so were Scott, Matt and Lil. Ms. Caw-Caw was the one who eventually said goodbye after the following series of events.

• They were grouped into 3
  Group 1: Kris, Matt and Megan
  Group 2: Adam, Lil and Allison
  Group 3: Scott, Danny and Anoop
  
• For Group 1, Kris and Matt were safe. Megan Joy was part of the bottom 3.
  
• For Group 2, Lil was safe. Allison went into the bottom 3. Adam was safe.
  
• For Group 3, Danny and Scott were safe. Anoop was in the bottom 3.

• Goodbye, Megan Joy.

The Hits and Mistakes of ABS CBN's New and Existing Shows

Monday, March 30, ABS CBN introduced two new shows on its afternoon and primetime blocks. First up, Taiwanese drama, Hotshots, starring Jerry Yan, Show Lo and Wu Chun. Although the show can make you laugh once in a blue moon with Show Lo's antics that he has already shown with his other series, the pacing is too slow. I am not a basketball fan either, maybe it adds to the reason why I am only watching this to see more of Jerry Yan.

Pinoy Bingo Night, is boring. If not for Kris Aquino's too much effort to make the show lively, it will not do well even if they give out more prizes than its rival show. The concept itself is dragging. The rules and mechanics are very simple and predictable. There is nothing that the staff can do about it. They shouldn't have gotten this in the first place. You will only tend to watch it if you own a card and you are expecting to win, or if you are a fan of the celebrity player. There is no suspense element, like how it was with Deal or No Deal. It is boring. 1 Versus 100 will fare better than this one.

A quick note on May Bukas Pa. Yes, it is understandable that they want to stretch the story. But can't Santino be faced with situations and problems that normal children usually deal with? Why does he always get entangled with politics, broken families, poor economic condition of his locality, when in fact, he is just a child? My 4-year-old niece, who used to watch the show regularly, would now rather wrestle with me to use my PC to play the Bratz and Barbie online games.

End I Love Betty La Fea ASAP while I still regard Bea Alonzo and John Llyod Cruz with respect. The show is a trash. So it should be dumped immediately. And don't make this available on DVD. People are still waiting for the DVD release of Kim and Gerald's My Girl. It was a very good take on the original version and Kim Chui gave superior justice to the lead role. And I cannot say the same for ILBLF.

Speaking of Kim and Gerald, the story of Tayong Dalawa keeps on getting better. I am not a fan of Jake Cuenca so I am the saddest person on earth when they made it clear that his character is alive. But at least, I got to see him getting tortured like real. It was only during the time when he was able to act naturally, as if he was really scared.

As for Kim and Gerald, these two must be given a valuable movie project after this soap. Kim is very versatile but she excels in comedy. Gerald has proven in Tayong Dalawa that he can deliver quality drama performance. Such a good combination for something like Claudine-Rico starrer, Got to Believe or the Juday-Piolo hit, Till There Was You, or something even better.

The Three Top Performances on American Idol Top 9

Only three contestants gave their best efforts on American Idol's Top 9 performance night. Of course, Kris Allen showed another brilliant proof that he is bound to be the champion of this season with his rendition of Ain't No Sunshine. Danny Gokey poured his heart out on his take to the Rascal Flatts' hit, What Hurts the Most. And well, even if I still don't like him, Adam Lambert made the other guys and gals look amateurish by not only singing but performing, Play that Funky Music.

I am not that keen with the elimination later on. For sure, Kris, Danny and Adam will be safe. And whoever goes home from the remaining candidates deserve such fate for giving us, Idol viewers around the globe, such lousy take on "artistry."