I'll start with what I know...

A wise friend was once suggested that I start a music blog seeing as writing about music is indeed what I want to do with my life. And when I say "once," I mean last night. What better way to jump right into this lifestyle than to kick it off cracking down on one of my favorite TV shows EVER...1/2 because I wish I was on the stage myself, and secondly, because I love music, entertainment, and artistic perpetuation and creativity.

Just a warning, this will be brief, because I have grown tired trying learn a bit about all this html blogging mania. Apparently people spend a lot of time in this alternate journaling reality. I kind of resent college for jailing my free time for years, since I forfeited learning about sweet stuff like this in favor of writing papers and reading outdated academic journals analyzing the introduction of the television to society. Yeah...it was that much fun.

Okay, these are my picks for tonight. P.S. Thank God for DVR. Without that wonderful invention, the outdated television advertising model might still make sense. My mom and I got through the two hour "Idol" time slot in half the time bypassing commercials, and let's be honest, the excruciating performances and critiques.

#1 Performance/the reason I curse AI for not profiling people in the preliminary rounds that deserve to get coverage, thereby slanting the votes in favor of the people that happened to capture the most camera time. Ugh.

ALLISON IRAHETA, 16, LA.
-->Sang: Heart's "Alone"
It was, to put it lightly, fantastic. I turned to my mom after the performance and abruptly declared, "I'd buy that in a second." If raw talent, passion, and an entertainment factor is what America is looking for, everyone's eyes better stay glued to this girl. She sings with ease, seeping emotion, and conviction. Personally, I'm a fan of her rock edge, complete with breaking raspiness where the high runs allow it. She killed it tonight. She easily stole the show for me.

MISHAVONNA HENSON, 18, Irvine, CA.
-->Sang: Train's "Drops of Jupiter"
Contrary to what all four judged deemed too serious a performance for such a young singer, I think Mishavonna did everything right tonight. With a full and rich tone along with seasoned vocal control, her performance did well to complement the song's inherent mystery and ingenuity. Despite the pre-packaged nonsense that AI seeks to mold every contestant into, entertainers and regular people alike are made unforgettable by owning their own authentic style.

ADAM LAMBERT, 26, San Francisco, CA.
-->Sang: Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction"
This guy is absolutely amazing. His range is incredible. He judges phrasing, song arrangement, individual vocal licks, and stage presence beautifully. He is obviously a veteran performer feeling 100% comfortable on stage and with his talent. Without a doubt, one to watch.

MATT BREITZKE, 27, Bixby, OK.
-->Sang: Tonic's "If You Could Only See"
I just have to say that I think this guy was unnecessarily shafted by the judges this evening. Now, I'm not about to go and say Matt is going to go on and clench the AI title or anything, but I personally think that this song is a brilliant 90s hit, saturated with emotion and a catchy melody. Matt's performance was solid. I know it's a rock song, but I don't feel like it was meant to host head banging and stage thrashing as some of the judges hinted at in their critiques. I think he performed it well and pleasantly--something I would not mind hearing again.

Alright, that's my first music blog! Yay! More to come, I promise. And it won't all be American Idol. I am a bit more versed that mainstream television as far as music is concerned. Oh, what a sad existence it would be to be confined to the small screen.

I'm out,

Taylor