I Do Not Celebrate Michael Johns Going Home

April 11, 08:52 AM

No, I'm not ready to talk about it quite yet.

But I must ask - Is Michael Johns the most shocking elimination on American Idol ever?

Sure we’ve had jaw-dropping ousters before but never this early. Jennifer Hudson was eliminated in the seventh round in season three. Chris Daughtry made it to the top four before he was eliminated in season five.

To give it more perspective, Sanjaya actually didn’t get eliminated until the next round last year.

I actually think that having Kristy Lee Cook still in the competition is more damaging to the show’s credibility (and yes the show does currently have credibility) than Sanjaya was last season. Kristy is a good singer but she is mediocre and ordinary by American Idol standards.

I wish you could have heard the conversation I had with my mom last night:

The phone rings:

Me: Hello.

My mom: Something is dramatically wrong with American Idol.

Me: I know. Isn’t it the worst?

Mom: What is wrong with this show? My Michael is a great singer. This is just awful. I don’t think I can watch the show any more.

Me: Are you going to stop watching?

Mom: Of course not. I need to keep supporting my little David Archuleta.

I’m with my mom, I won’t stop watching but the show won’t be nearly as fun for me now that Johns won’t be a part of it. Do you feel the same way? What’s up with Simon insisting that Michael sang the wrong song? Is Kristy the savviest contestant the show has ever had? Talk about it below.

Ask TV Gal

I don't see the Best Bets section anymore ? Where did it go? Was it discontinued ? What's the deal? Diane

I’ve been getting this question quite a bit so I did a little research. I’ve been told by my friends here at Zap2It that the Best Bet section is being redesigned and will return soon. I’ll keep you posted.

Update on the Save Friday Night Lights Campaign

Now that Friday Night Lights will return for a third season (whoo-hoo!), Savefnl.com let me know that they’ve begun a campaign to donate the DVD sets of the first two seasons of the show to public libraries throughout the country. Check it out at www.savefridaynightlights.tv/libraries.htm

One Tree Wisteria Lane?

Although I don’t think this is much of a spoiler since the news is being widely reported, skip this section if you don’t want to know anything about what’s coming up on Desperate Housewives.

Marcia Cross confirmed today on The Ellen Show that the season finale of Desperate Housewives, just like those high school students who were suddenly out of college and in the real world, will skip ahead five years. Cross implied that next season will flashback to show viewers what happened in the intervening five years (perhaps a mystery in reverse?)

It would mean that the teenagers could have adult story lines (or being written out entirely?) and that the young children would be older (I’ll miss the current Scavo twins). I fear it could mean the death of one of the housewives and that the next season will be showing what lead up to her death.

What do you think of the idea of going forward five years and the possibilities it opens up? Also what’s up with no one trying to keep secrets any more? If this news hadn’t been leaked (and by leaked I mean talked about to major publications and talk shows), it could have been quite the surprise.

Quotes of the Week

"I was panicked this morning about all the logistics that went into my Carnegie Hall performance." Rachael who decided to sing during her big give on Oprah’s Big Give. I'm doubling down that Cameron is going to win this competition.

"Everyone knows that the weight of a lie makes your soul so heavy that you can’t rise up to heaven and you don’t look good in jeans from behind." Kenneth to Jack on 30 Rock.

"I shot my flat screen Super Bowl Sunday." Denny Crane was asked by Alan if he had murdered any of his toys on Boston Legal. Thanks to Shaun for the quote.

"I cut myself shaving." Baltar on Battlestar Galactica. Thanks to Barry for the quote.

"I have not been this impressed since Jennifer Hudson in ‘Dreamgirls.’" Cappie to his pledge brothers on Greek.

"Michael and Jan seem to be playing their own separate game and it’s called let’s see how uncomfortable we can make our guests and they’re both winning." Jim on The Office. I thought this episode went too far and was too dark and disturbing, did you?

Exchange of the Week

"Casey these are my pledge brothers and right now it’s like we’re a boy band and I’m the fat one." Rusty to Casey on Greek.

"It’s pronounced Fatone." Casey’s response.

That’s all for today. I’ll be back on Monday to talk about the return of Bones, One Tree Hill, and Back to You. I’ll also have thoughts on Medium, ER, and the season finale of Eli Stone. Have a question? Seen a familiar face? Want to nominate a quote of the week or a topic for discussion? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com. Have a great weekend.

Amy Amatangelo, TV Gal ®

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Sounds to me like Desperate Housewives is doing the "lost" thing with doing flashbacks - if it works for Lost it will work for us. Not sure if it will work or not, but I guess we'll see

Darren | Apr 11, 2008 9:09:09 AM | #

I agree. Michael Johns should have been in the top four.

Randy | Apr 11, 2008 9:09:25 AM | #

The Office can do no wrong in my eyes. I liked the episode, not its best but it was good. I think it is time to accept that Jan is crazy and she is going to stay that way, Amy. Just try to go with it.

Anna | Apr 11, 2008 9:15:02 AM | #

Why are people so surprised when good singers get kicked off AI? It's not a talent show, it's a popularity contest.

C | Apr 11, 2008 9:22:22 AM | #

I was very surprised. Esepcially considering it was American Idol Gives back week, I'm not going to lie. I didn't vote for him this week like I normally do because I figured he would be safe. How often has Carly, Kristy Lee, Syesha been circling the bottom. It's crazy.

Brian | Apr 11, 2008 9:24:49 AM | #

When things like this happen or the news break (talking about DH)i get a little worried. When One Tree Hill Announced that they would do this for the current season i thought that would be cool because i was over the high school drama...and felt like carrying it over into college wouldnt work. But even now its a little contrite and boring. I hope the w riters of DH know what they are doing. I appreciate their willingness to try something new. i like all of the characters this season so i dont want to lose any of them. I'm scared i tell ya, scared.

Meiko | Apr 11, 2008 9:28:28 AM | #

Michael Johns leaving the show last night was not the worst thing to happen - that dubious honor goes to Seacrest and the way he held out a slim hope that Michael may get a respite like "AI" did last year during their "Idol Gives Back" week when no one was voted off right away. It was cruel to let him think that he may still be safe.
I want Carly to win and she'll continue to get my votes...plain and simple, Michael was not getting enough votes to keep him around so people - when you have favorites, call in and vote for them so they can stay!
I so badly want to see Archuleta and bed-head Cook just GO AWAY!

Ginni | Apr 11, 2008 9:30:17 AM | #

Johns should have stayed, but he's not good enough to win. As long as the Davids are 1 and 2, it won't matter when the others go.
Does anyone remember Carmen from season 2? The shocker for me was how long she stuck around. Sanjaya was better than her any day of the week.

keepitreal | Apr 11, 2008 9:34:59 AM | #

I definitely enjoyed the Office this week. was it kind of uncomfortable? YES! but if you've ever been around when a couple has that kind of tension, it is terribly unsettling. i think the show captured that feeling perfectly, and was still able to mix some comedy.

i loved that during the middle of an argument with Jan, Michael had his knee jerk quote of, "That's what she said."

Gerry | Apr 11, 2008 9:37:44 AM | #

I really don't see what the shocker was about Michael. I liked him too, but this week, I'm sorry. He was weak. If you're going to take on Aerosmith, you've got to nail it to the wall, and it really wasn't that good. It certainly wasn't even CLOSE to being the most shocking thing in idol. I mean, Tamyra Gray beaten out by Nikki Mckibbin?

Potch | Apr 11, 2008 9:37:47 AM | #

I am usually terrible at predicting Idol, I admit it...but I completely called the bottom three this week. I actually thought Carly would be going home, but wasn't particularly surprised or upset that it was Michael.

I kinda want David Archuleta to go home next, just because the poor kid looks scared enough to wet his pants every time he's on stage. He's not ready for this.

As for the Office, I thought it was hysterical. Michael and Jan have to have the most confusing, bizarre, illogical relationship on TV. I really think they both love and hate each other simultaneously. But it was Jim and Pam's tortured facial expressions and 'talking heads' that made the ep for me.

Mickey | Apr 11, 2008 9:41:29 AM | #

I have to agree with your American Idol assessment. Johns' ouster invalidates this show further and proves that it is not about overall talent and range it's a flawed numbers game.

Look for David Cook to be axed sometime soon as well for the same reason while mediocre talent like Taylor Hicks and to a lessor extent Jordan Sparks (nice job last night, just not my kind of music) prevail.

Let's also not forget Melinda Doolittle who blew every song out of the box that she sang -- the consummate eprformer and diva - only to be handed her lunch by a voting audience who did not get it.

Way-out-West | Apr 11, 2008 9:42:08 AM | #

What have you people been smoking? You need to stop eating brownies from Jason Castro. Michael Johns was a mediocre contestant at best. Granted, the dude is hot, but he hasn't shown himself to be a great singer. Last week was his only good week to date. Have you forgotten about the abomination that was his cover of "A Day in the Life"? Dude was going down sooner or later. I'm just amazed that his looks have carried him this far.

As for "The Office", I'm with Amy. I found parts of the episode very funny, but mostly it was just dark and kind of disturbing. Coming on the heels of the deposition episode, I'm at a loss as to what the writers are doing. This week's episode did a fantastic job of portraying awkward, but is it entertaining on this show when it isn't funny? I wanted out of the episode almost as much as Jim and Pam.

Derek | Apr 11, 2008 9:46:07 AM | #

Over on the AI blog, a lot of people are angrier about Ryan's rudeness than they are about Michael actually being eliminated. I have a feeling that the producers want David Cook and David Archuleta to be the final 2, so it doesn't really matter in what order the rest of the contestants are eliminated. Michael being eliminated was surprising (but not shocking), since KLC and Syesha have been in the bottom 3 more than once. Michael should have gone farther, but don't forget how far Sanjaya went last year, thanks to the "teeny-bopper" votes.

Honestly, I would like to see a public apology from AI and Ryan for the cruel way they treated one of their own contestants last night. They should have just told him he was going home, without giving him the false hope of no eliminations this week. Needless to say, Michael and the entire audience were rendered speechless after Ryan told them that this year they would be eliminating him during IGB week in spite of the pass they gave everyone last year. :-(

Paige | Apr 11, 2008 10:10:06 AM | #

michael johns isn't my favourite... in truth i don't really have a favourite this year, i'm kind of bored by all of them... however, i can't say my mouth didn't drop when i saw this last night. i was so sure it was going to be one of the girls. (and ryan's delivery of the information was just mean).

love the 'greek' exchange but you're missing the word "band" in the "boy band" line.

as for secrets being revealed for shows, i don't think they much attempt any more because the harder they try to keep secrets the more people try to uncover them. i think most networks figure spoilers are inevitable so they figure - why not the internet to the punch?

molly h | Apr 11, 2008 10:27:50 AM | #

A SHOCKER to me and my hubby. IF you watch the end of each AI show, notice the highlites and length of time they show each contestant and their songs. Its a mind game by AI - they leave with you the lastimpression that they want to influence towards your voting. THEN, did you notice how much tougher Randy has been towards Michael and Carly? That's becuase they want to influence them getting kicked off - they both have had music contracts, so my thought is, they'd rather have a REAL amature be the AI as opposed to someone who already has celebrity status so to speak. Michael sure beats out Carly, Kristy Lee, and Brooke, in I also find "Dreadlocks" boring in his singing. Now -

Susie | Apr 11, 2008 10:28:00 AM | #

I don't see how people can vote for mediocre singers when much better singers are voted off of American Idol. I'm almost tempted to stop watching altogether.

Now, of course, do we really hear much about the top American Idols? Are they truly successful?

Well, obviously, Elliott Yamin and Chris Daughtrey are more successful than McFee or Hicks. And even Fantasia got nominated for an Oscar. So, that goes to show that the "American Idol Castaways" will be much more successful than the Idol "heavyweights".

Suzanne | Apr 11, 2008 10:57:21 AM | #

Michael should be in the top four and I think Seacrest should be booed out next week. The show lost a lot for me by him being eliminated and I do not believe he had the lowest vote count-its too pretty, boy, girl, boy girl, boy-
No way should he go b4 any of the girls

meg | Apr 11, 2008 10:59:08 AM | #

meg | Apr 11, 2008 10:59:14 AM | #

I agree about the Office. I miss the workplace antics this year - too much seems to be taking place out of the office. My favourite parts have always been when Jim and Pam are messing with Dwight - bring more of that stuff back. I'm also kind of getting tired of Micheal's schtick. I feel like they're taking him too far into the ridiculous realm. This isn't Scrubs with its fantasy sequences, we have to be able to buy that this man would not be fired. That's getting harder every week.

As for DH, sounds to me like a desperate ploy for a show that's losing ideas. For the fan's sake, I hope I'm wrong and it works great.

K | Apr 11, 2008 11:00:26 AM | #

I am so sad about Michael Johns! My Australian man of a copmetitor! I love that man! I only tuned in for the last 10 minutes adn I thought, "I want Carly to go home, but I think it will be Syesha." Ugh! I literally cried! (like Dwight just did when he didn't get invited to Michael's dinner party on last night's episode of "The Office" that I'm watching right now.)

This was totally not fair. He didnot deserve to go this early! I didn't even think that his version of "Dream On" were that bad (though I culd have done without the falsetto)

Lauren B | Apr 11, 2008 11:16:58 AM | #

This episode was dark, but I definately enjoyed it. And I think that something like this had to eventually happen with Michael and Jan. I loved Jim's escape attempt.
I enjoyed the whole NBC comedy block. Although I might say that I enjoyed 30 Rock and Scrubs a tad bit more. I love Scrubs: its episode just made me happy, and so was a good follow-up to the darker ep of Office.

Billiam | Apr 11, 2008 11:18:51 AM | #

I'm a little baffled by the Desperate Housewives thing, but One Tree Hill (and, yes, I'm about to compare a OTH to DH) did that this season and the show sucks less than it has in the past. Maybe the teenagers will be more interesting, at least.

And The Office definitely went too far...

I was shocked and horrified at Michael's departure!! It's eliminations like that that make me think the show is rigged, b/c there's always a surprise elimination around this time in the competition. Boo, hiss...

Cat | Apr 11, 2008 11:57:57 AM | #

Hmm...finished watching "The Office". "Dark" and "disturbing" may not be my first words to describe it, but "disturbing" is definitely up there somewhere. I just turned off the sound on my computer when Michael and Jan were arguing about how Jan always gets her way--very disturbing. "Obnoxious" is another word I would choose to describe it. "Desperate" as well--it seems that they were trying to make the first episode back really good, but they were trying too hard. They were only at the actual office for less than 4 minutes!

Lauren B | Apr 11, 2008 12:02:26 PM | #

I didn't think he would win, but Michael didn't deserve to go last night. Syesha or Kristie, probably. But this is not the most shocking exit, I'd put Melinda ahead of this even though she made final 3. Anyone remember Jasmine making final 3?

I also wish shows wouldn't leak plot twists so much. It started with Michael on Lost. If they wanted him to be a surprise, then don't announce in the summer that he's coming back to the show. Same thing with Sarah on Prison Break and now with DH.

Noraa | Apr 11, 2008 12:10:55 PM | #

I think Kristy Lee has been vastly improved over the past couple weeks and thats why she's still around. Better than Michael Johns? no, but she was better than him this week no question. I think overall the top 7 is quite solid, though I don't think kristy lee can keep it up in the coming weeks and will likely go soon. This premature ouster of Michael Johns doesnt rank up there with Chris D. or Tamyra because only on one or two occasions did I think Michael Johns could win. Chris and Tamyra were frontrunners in their respective seasons from the getgo right up until their final performances.

As far as the office, I thought it was funny but yes a bit cringworthy. I'm not sure I like the whole Jan/michael dysfunctional relationship thing and I missed the rest of the officemates.

Chet | Apr 11, 2008 12:23:48 PM | #

Suzanne, you have Fantasia confused with Jennifer Hudson.

Beth | Apr 11, 2008 1:30:46 PM | #

I think "The Office" was great last night. I think it perfectly captured how awkward and uncomfortable it can be to socialize with co-workers on their own turf. An office retreat or happy hour at a Chili's is one thing, but a dinner party in someone's house can be risky. I think Pam and Jim found that out -- to hilarious and cringe-worthy effect.

Dex | Apr 11, 2008 1:37:48 PM | #

I eish network shows stop giving out information because it doesn't make me excited to watch the show if I know what going to happen. The reason I watch Lost is because they never tell you what happeneing and I always wnat more. I understand that the networks are doing this to get everyone interested in the shows again, but I might just stop watching tv altogethe if this continues because tv isn't wat it used to be

Anthony | Apr 11, 2008 1:39:13 PM | #

The AI format should be vote for the one you think should get kicked off, not vote for the ones you think should remain.

Joe | Apr 11, 2008 1:47:30 PM | #

A lot of people keep saying Carly's been in the bottom a lot: she's only been there twice including last night. Syesha and Kristy are both tied at three.

Liz | Apr 11, 2008 1:57:10 PM | #

The most shocking AI moment for me (aside from when Chris Daughtry was sent home)was when Nikki McKibben made it to the final three instead of Tamyra Gray in Season 1.

Michelle | Apr 11, 2008 2:05:57 PM | #

The most shocking AI moment for me (aside from when Chris Daughtry was sent home)was when Nikki McKibben made it to the final three instead of Tamyra Gray in Season 1.

Michelle | Apr 11, 2008 2:06:03 PM | #

Two Things:

1 - Michael Johns definitely should not have been voted off. I guess America prefers bland, emotionless singers like Kristy Lee and Syesha over the soulfulness of Mr. Johns. Even if you think he picked the wrong song (which has become a really tired criticism - why is any song a wrong song for a contestant to sing? A good singer can tackle any song and give it their own personality and vibe. I.E. - Fergie doing "Barracuda" with Heart. That was freaking amazing and Fergie is known for being a pop song singing fluffy songs. But, she rocked that Heart song and made it her own entirely. Mr. Johns has that kind of talent.

2 - I think it's a genius idea to push 5 years into the future on "Desperate Housewives." Marc Cherry or whomever came up with that should get a raise. The story potential is huge! They can use the flashback format a la "Lost" and the characters will have gone through stuff that is a mystery to the viewer that we have to figure out. We will see them in a totally different state in their lives and then learn how they got there. Maybe one of the couples got divorced, maybe one of them is dead, Lynette's kids will be grown, Bree's baby (actually her grandchild) will be a six year old and Andrew and the daughter and Susan's daughter and Katherine's daughter will wither not be on or could be the new young adult generation starting off where their parents began, possibly becoming a spin-off, "Desperate Singles" or Desperate Housewives: The New Generation." Like I said, this will create some much story and generate a whole new perspective. I love this idea!

Gabrielle's Garden-boy | Apr 11, 2008 2:16:49 PM | #

Two Things:

Gabrielle's Garden-boy | Apr 11, 2008 2:16:49 PM | #

Loved The Office this week; laughed out loud consistently throughout the episode. Honestly, I am not a fan of Jan's character now, but she has played it well. Watch it again for the subtleties, including both Jim and Dwight combing their hair different for the party than how they do at work.

Sal | Apr 11, 2008 2:21:40 PM | #

So many people seem to have problems with this episode of The Office (finding it too uncomfortable and not funny). I was laughing the entire time. I really think it was one of their best.

Lindlee | Apr 11, 2008 3:06:56 PM | #

Last night's Office was genius. One of the best of the season. I laughed throughout. Was it uncomfortable? You bet. Most of the best episodes are. It felt a little more like the British version of the show, which also was genius, so that's OK.

Brent | Apr 11, 2008 3:55:17 PM | #

I loved the office, I laughed throughout the episode. As for American Idol it wasn't the most shocking exit, that one will always be Tamara Gray for me but who in their right mind is voting for Kristie Lee cook, medicore voice & horrible attitude. Must be the same people who voted for Bush.....S

Tiffany | Apr 11, 2008 3:58:24 PM | #

Now that Michael is gone, watch for Carly to also leave in the next week or two.

She has the best voice among the female singers but she was also NOT born in the USA, so she won't last much longer.

Americans are so fickle.

Bill | Apr 11, 2008 4:53:05 PM | #

I am another one that thought last night's The Office was hysterical. It was one of my favorites. It had its awkward moments, but I think every episode does. The only difference for me was there were more moments that I felt badly for Michael--that rarely happens.

Loretta | Apr 11, 2008 5:29:11 PM | #

"How often has Carly, Kristy Lee, Syesha been circling the bottom. It's crazy."

Don't worry, I have a feeling they'll be weeded out in due time.

John | Apr 11, 2008 5:31:09 PM | #

Bill, I think you're right about Carly. She and Michael are/were my favorite in the competition, but she's in danger next week. She needs to nail Mariah Carey! Hopefully her elimination will not be because of the foreign-born thing, though: that just makes me sad.

Cady | Apr 11, 2008 5:33:53 PM | #

The song Michael John's chose as 'inspirational' shows the cultural differences between being American & being Australian. Sappy songs about friends, rainbows or giving back is just not what pumps through the Aussie heart! Michaael Johns was great & it is a shame he made a error in song. Anyhow Fergie showed them how to sing a cover & make it your own in comparison to American Karaoke I mean Idol!

Kelly | Apr 11, 2008 6:34:29 PM | #

Yuck! I wasn't able to watch the show due to heavy work load and I was expecting Syesha or Kristy to leave. When I searched for news online, what the hell. I thought this is some kind of April Fool's Day. So I watched my TiVo and couldn't help but cry when I saw what that RUDE RYAN SEACREST did to Michael Johns. I couldn't believe that I won't be seeing him again in AI. I couldn't stomach seeing the untalented boring Kristy Lee Cook remain in the show. I will not be so surprised if she wins. YUCK!!! Another thing is the producers are unfair. If they didn't send someone home last year, they should have done the same thing! Its unfair, so unfair. So if they send David Cook next week, I will definitely not watch this show anymore. How come Kristy, Syesha, Brooke, Jason, Carly are still there and Michael leaves? :( Is there a chance for a WILD CARD or something? WE WANT MICHAEL BACK. If I only knew that they would sending someone home, I shouldn't have donated in the Idol Gives Back. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Elle | Apr 11, 2008 6:51:17 PM | #

Oh No. The Office was best episode in a looong time. I haven't laughed so hard since I can't remember. Maybe I just dig the "life is hell" routine, but some of the best lines ever on that episode. Of course, I have no interest in most of the "hot" shows (American Idol, Lost, anything on ABC really), so I know I'm a complete whack-job, comparatively. But still laughing hysterically at The Office.

ME | Apr 11, 2008 7:14:53 PM | #

The two best vocalists on this show this season are Michael Johns and Carly Smithson. None of the others, including Archuletta and Cook, have the range, depth or appeal to be big-time singers.

Archuletta has a very pure voice, but he only sings slow, sappy songs well. Who wants to buy an album of 12 slow, sappy songs?

Cook rips off other rock artists to sound as though he's being original. When he does his own thing, it's typically terrible like it was this week.

Only time will tell, but my guess is that Michael Johns is the name we all remember 10 years from now.

Nathan | Apr 11, 2008 9:05:04 PM | #

I loved the office this week. The whole Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe thing was perfect. Incidentally, what the heck does having "Soft teeth" mean

Wael | Apr 11, 2008 9:32:57 PM | #

seacrest is a marginally talented douche and always has been. Its just taken most of you idiots years to figure it out

jake | Apr 11, 2008 10:09:47 PM | #

ABout this going ahead five years thing. Why are we crediting One Tree Hill and Lost? Has everyone forgotten Alias and Sydney's lost two years? Let's give credit where credit is due.

hey | Apr 12, 2008 1:56:10 AM | #

Kristy Lee Cook is up on VotefortheWorst.com. That's why she's still in. I wish there was a way to bring that site down. It hurts people, IMO.

Terry | Apr 12, 2008 2:21:47 AM | #

i have been a fan for seven seasons, but i am not watching this show anymore. I have had favourites before, but NEVER have i cried like i did on thursday night. Something has got to change with the voting process. People who are winning the show are only winning it because of obsessed teeny boppers. I mean, come on...taylor hicks, jordin sparks, and now probably i-lick-my-lips-all-day archuleta? THis show used to be good, but it lost a fan here.

tasha | Apr 12, 2008 7:21:29 AM | #

Terry, the readership of VoteForTheWorst.com is so minuscule in comparison to the staggering amount of people who vote each week on "American Idol" that we can only credit actual Americans with keeping Kristy Lee Cook in. It's hard to break through 33 million votes with a tiny website.

MarcDom7 | Apr 12, 2008 8:44:58 AM | #

It's official.

I'm the only one who doesn't watch American Idol.

go go gadget | Apr 12, 2008 9:15:17 AM | #

Michael Johns sings karaoke - and sings FLAT at that! I'm glad he's finally gone.

Darlene | Apr 12, 2008 9:21:07 AM | #

I'm SO unhappy about Michael Johns going home. I totally forgot to vote and he would have been at the top of my vote list. However, I felt he was safe/popular and didn't have to worry. I will not be forgetting to vote again... want to make sure Brooke and David Cook stick around. : )

Desperate Housewives moving ahead and then flashing back? Ugh... not sure I like it, but we'll have to wait and see.

The Office was fabulous. Yeah, a little dark and disturbing, but that's what made it so entertaining... there was so much going on and so many "moments" to laugh about... I loved it.

Tracey P. | Apr 12, 2008 11:05:55 AM | #

Simon has the nerve to blame the song - he should take a hard look at his luke warm comments toward Michael throughout many of the weekly performances. The judges know this much: gush, and the audience votes because they figure it must have been awesome, dude! Bash and they'll vote because they feel sorry for the contestant. But show a bit of indifference - it's the most damaging thing you can do. Couple that with Michael John's position singing first that night and the writing was on the wall.

Simon - for whatever reason - has not been very supportive of Michael. If he wanted him to still be in the competition (and I'm not sure he did) he should be looking at how his own actions helped lead to the result.

Patti | Apr 12, 2008 11:13:28 AM | #

The problem with Michael's song choice this week wasn't that it may not have fit the theme properly. The problem with "Dream On" (as well as with his abominable arrangement of "A Day in the Life") is that it doesn't translate well to 1.5 minutes. "Dream On" is a great song, but it needs more time to build than the show allows for. Picking a song that can't be arranged well is a stupid move.

Derek | Apr 12, 2008 11:13:42 AM | #

About the moving ahead thing.. Didn't Felicity do that too. JJ Abrams likes this stuff and ABC seems to love it since many of these shows are ABC shows

Wael | Apr 12, 2008 11:53:25 AM | #

Am I the only one who thinks that the worst people on AI are Brooke and Jason? Those are the two that I can't get over still being on the show. As for Michael, sure he was a very good singer and a very nice guy, but he didn't have the charisma to make you LOVE him. People are often more sympathetic to mediocrity when it comes from someone who is good looking, and that's definitely the case with him. To me the top two are Carly and David Cook; the rest are simply a process of elimination.

To me the most shocking eliminations of the past were when Frenchie Davis was kicked off for some ridiculous moral values reason and when Mario Vasquez quit the show right after he make it to the top 12 (for "mysterious" reasons...) As far as eliminations due to voting, the most shocking were Jennifer Hudson and LaToya London for me.

As for Desperate Housewives, I love the flash forward idea, however, it would have been a lot more interesting and shocking had it not been revealed. As far as spoilers and the need for producers to "beat the internet to the punch" in revealing them, it's just television people...I think most people care a lot less than producers would like to think. If Marcia Cross hadn't revealed it on Ellen (and then have it further discussed here) I probably would never have heard of the plot twist.

At any rate, I totally LOVE this column and am a huge fan of TV Gal....great insight and hilarious commentary. Keep up the good work.

Ryan | Apr 12, 2008 12:09:22 PM | #

Just a quick note regarding Ryan Seacrest's abhorrent "last year no one got eliminated" tease. I read a comment that suggested that the person was disinclined to give money to the "Idol Gives Back" campaign due to that. It is important to keep in mind that the "Idol Gives Back" charity is separate from the actual singing show. The aid that they are able to give to America and Africa is absolutely brilliant, and perhaps this years only saving grace. And besides, I'm sure that the starving and dying kids in Africa could care less if Michael John's feelings were hurt. Don't take it out on them....keep giving.

Ryan | Apr 12, 2008 12:25:49 PM | #

I picked up on someone's comment about pretty boy/girl eliminations and I had been wondering if they were indeed trying to keep the number of people of the same sex even. We will never have a fair AI winner unless something is done about the power voting which they encourage.

angelia | Apr 12, 2008 1:06:28 PM | #

Michael Johns was my first favorite, followed by Jason Castro, then Carly. I realized I wasnt in the popular mindset AND I am 30 something but my gosh, Kristy Cook is still considered the better entertainer!?!? I thought Michael killed (in a good way) "dream on". I loved it when Simon told him he chose the wrong song and he just shook his his 'no'. hoorah! I will continue watching but the show will not set the anticipation I once had looking forward to seeing Michael Johns take on a song.

elise | Apr 12, 2008 3:26:42 PM | #

go go gadget wrote: ``It's official. I'm the only one who doesn't watch American Idol.''

No, you're not.

David B. Mears | Apr 12, 2008 4:17:12 PM | #

Just when I was getting to like Seacrest, what in the world made him say what he did to Michael Johns about maybe not getting kicked off. Michael's version of "It's all Wrong But Its Alright" was fantastic and very professional. I think the rest of those stupid kids need some time to practice on a stage. I'm done watching that stupid show!

Barb | Apr 12, 2008 6:20:34 PM | #

I was only surprised in that I didn't think Michael would be leaving - but I think the audience got it about right. Other than Jason (who I have wanted to go every week for the last five or six weeks), Michael was my lowest-rated singer. Except for his Queen cover, he hasn't been all that great. So no, not even close to the most shocking moment ever. And yes, I will still watch.

Jack24 | Apr 12, 2008 6:32:13 PM | #

Michael Johns was my favorite and I'm so very disappointed!!!!! I DID vote for him!!!! I am 30 something as well and maybe that is why I liked him so much. I liked his song selection the most every week.
I personally disagree that "Dream On" was the wrong song. I thought his performance was really good; and it certainly was NOT the worst!!!!! I WAS SHOCKED AND VERY UPSET AND YELLED AT THE T.V.!!!!!!!
---I agree with Nathan above;
Michael and Carly have the most appeal of anyone, AS FAR AS SINGING ABILITY AND MARKETABILITY. But I feel David C. is really talented, I just prefer M. and C. Michael was easy on the eyes too! :)
:(
I may just stop watching.

wndlou | Apr 12, 2008 6:32:59 PM | #

To Ryan: "As for Michael, sure he was a very good singer and a very nice guy, but he didn't have the charisma to make you LOVE him. People are often more sympathetic to mediocrity when it comes from someone who is good looking, and that's definitely the case with him. To me the top two are Carly and David Cook; the rest are simply a process of elimination."

You are an idiot. It is quite obvious by people's reactions that Michael had far more charisma than that tatted Irish twat and that behead doofus Cook. Mike has more charisma than anyone that has ever been on that show. I agree that he did not make the best song choices..but that should not lead to an elimination when it is apparent that he has such talent. But, it's ok, I know that in 10 yrs. like someone else said he will be the only one who will be remembered from this season.

Kayla C. | Apr 12, 2008 6:38:17 PM | #

Kayla C. | Apr 12, 2008 6:38:22 PM | #

Kristy Lee is nowhere near as bad as Sanjaya was. I don't think she is the worst, but I do think her days are numbered. I want Sayesha to go soon too. People seem to forget that when you let the people vote, it becomes a popularity contest and not a contest on who is the best singer. The good ones will always be sent home before their time (it happens every year) until they change the voting and let the judges have some say.

deb | Apr 12, 2008 7:14:09 PM | #

Make that three of us who don't watch American Idol. And don't regret a minute of it.

pugmom99 | Apr 12, 2008 7:40:53 PM | #

I'm shocked to this day -- its deeply upsetting. The problem is with these websites (dialidol and now tivo getting into the predicting game). All of them predicted either Carly or Syesha to leave -- so fans powervote for them to stay. If you think that 5 of the remaining idols have been in the bottom 3 (Jason, carly, syesha, kristy and brooke) -- there are just too many people to save. Plus Michael went first and there is less viewership at the beginning of the show. I think now i'm not that interested in the show -- i think this is a warning for all those who proclaim that Archeleta is gonna win -- you can't assume that someone is safe and people should now vote for their favorites.

jake | Apr 12, 2008 8:15:42 PM | #

I definetly will not celebrate

gazzali

http://proenrichment.blogspot.com

gazzali | Apr 12, 2008 8:26:59 PM | #

I think the 2 worst singers are Carly and David Cook. Seems like a wide difference of opinion I guess. I think Michael Johns was up in the T4. Lauren: You have to do the falsetto on Dream On. It makes the song.

Bryan | Apr 12, 2008 9:51:10 PM | #

DO NOT COMPARE KRISTY TO SANJAYA!

YES SHE IS NOT AS GOOD AS THE OTHERS BUT SHE IS IMPROVING AND SHE ACTUALLY PERFORMED BETTER THAN MICHAEL LAST WEEK!

YOU JUST WANT SOMEONE TO BLAME! STUPID!

930pm | Apr 13, 2008 4:03:51 AM | #

Go Go Gadget, no you're definitely not alone. I can't stand AI and am totally sick of reality shows in general. And 930 pm? Turn off you caps lock, screaming at everyone isn't necessary. Most of us try to have civil conversations without being mean to everyone. We may not always agree, but we try to be civil.

tv ho | Apr 13, 2008 8:57:21 AM | #

Oh yeah! Hated Idol this week so much. I was gunning and hoping for a David Cook vs Michael Johns showdown in the finale BUT it ain't happening. Boo freakin' Hoo

Triple H | Apr 13, 2008 10:02:50 AM | #

Michael Johns should have gone home this week. Idol is a show about cetgories of people, the rocker, the teeny bopper, the country person, and Michael Johns was second in category to David Cook. People bemoan KLC's talent, but she has a clear niche and is the leader in it. Besides, I think Idol learned theor lesson when they let 29-year old Taylor Hicks win, and look how that's worked out. Johns is better off losing, finding some talented musicians to front for, and trying a career in a band.

Look for Carly, Syesha or KLC to go this week, depending on who has the worst song. Carly cannot win, she is too old, and not THAT much more talented than the prettier girls in the competition. This is still David Archuleta's to lose, he's the teen idol who can actually sing. He then needs to turn 18, and dump daddy. David Lee Cook loses cred if he wins - he's better off taking the Daughtry route. Brooks White is the wild card - she has so much more personality than KLC, but has yet to say "I want to sing country music," which is what he should do. If she were to do that, she'd have a ready-made career, and KLC would be out before Brooks got the sentence out of her mouth.

It's all about Categories, people, America loves to put people into categories and makes their judgements that way.

Word Money G | Apr 13, 2008 12:39:42 PM | #

I was totally shocked when Michael was sent home, honestly I wasn't expecting anyone to go home last week. While Kristi is not my favorite I thought she did a nice job last week and didn't deserve to go home, the one that bores me week after week is Syesha - great voice but nothing to watch. I am ready for her and Jason to go.

On another note I think DH's move to jump five years ahead it a great idea. There is so much they could do, and not every single detail to how they got there would have to be explained. I think it is a perfect move.

Hettie | Apr 14, 2008 8:15:20 AM | #

if skipping 5 years ahead will allow some excess baggage to be shed on DH, I'm all for it. I love nathan fillion and even he couldn't keep me interested enough to keep watching the show this year. it was all just too much.

erinb

erinb | Apr 14, 2008 8:28:47 AM | #

American Idol is WEIRD. I agree with you that Kristy Lee Cook has overstayed on American Idol. I'll be rooting for David Archuleta and Carly Smithson!

As for The Office, I too thoguht the episode was definitely not one of its better ones. I felt that it was greatly exaggerated, even by its normal standards, and it relaly didn't work that well for me. Hopefully, we'll see more of the office next week!

Go David & Carly!!

Karen | Apr 14, 2008 9:12:51 AM | #

Wow, maybe we should avoid Idol discussions from now on. I've never seen so many nasty flames from posters on this column before. If you can't refraid from using words like 'idiot' or 'stupid' to describe people who are just sharing their opinions, there should be some kind of blocking feature to these comments.

Mickey | Apr 14, 2008 10:24:18 AM | #

Glad to here best bests is coming back eventually. I have to use TV guides TV Hot list which isn't as good. Best bets used to be my homepage!

Ed | Apr 14, 2008 2:09:08 PM | #

aww. I'm going to miss all the current child/teen actors on Desperate Housewives-especially all five Scavo children. Personally, i think skipping that far ahead is a mistake. Maybe one year..but FIVE?!

cg | Apr 14, 2008 4:46:03 PM | #

I have to agree with the comment about Michael on The Office. I think his character is supposed to be oblivious not stupid. I cringed during the episode where Michael went around screaming "bankruptcy." I hope this does not continue. The writers made Randy on My Name is Earl so stupid that I could not stand to watch the show any longer.

Bill | Apr 14, 2008 7:11:45 PM | #

I thought Syesha should have gone.
And I think Ryan owes Michael and everyone an apology. If someone told him to do that, they should apologize as well.
NOT NICE OR ENTERTAINING!!

Grace | Apr 15, 2008 2:21:04 AM | #

I hope Desperate can figure out a way to go back 5 years! They should kill Edie like they have been planning but in some weird way make that new girl that is come in soon be played by Justine Batemen, and sort of like this idea.

DMC REBELLION | Apr 15, 2008 7:28:46 AM | #

I stopped watching AI when KLC didn't get booted after that awful Lee Greenwood song (great for 4th of July but not a pop contest). It's obvious that the voting is fabricated to push through (or finish) whichever contestants the producers want. I thought the Chris Daughtry thing was shocking but it was a smooth ploy. He didn't have to contend with the year of being an AI winner and could concentrate on producing a solid album. Can't watch it anymore. So sad.

tv | Apr 15, 2008 8:03:12 AM | #

I'm not ready to talk about it either :( i voted for the whole 2 hours for michael every week so i don't even know if i can watch tonight.. i wouldn't have anyone to vote for!

Laura | Apr 15, 2008 1:58:44 PM | #

I think the return epsiode of The Office was one of the best episodes the show has ever done.

Nate | Apr 16, 2008 7:56:34 AM | #

Michael Johns leaving at this point was certainly extremely surprising, but not the biggest shocker in Idol history. In terms of ability and originality, I think he only left 2 or 3 spots too early. The only thing that really makes it a shocker is that he was probably one of the best looking contestants they've ever had. I could practically hear the price of Kleenex stock rise every time he sang as women placed a few tissues on their chairs.

The biggest shocker, IMO, was definitely Melinda Doolittle's exit. Even thought it was only 2 rounds early, no other contestant, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Daugherty included, ever had anywhere near as many impeccable performances.

BobDob | Apr 16, 2008 8:06:50 AM | #

As for Kristy Lee's inexplicable survival the last several weeks, I think KristyLee'sHorse says it best:

KristyLee'sHorse: ''Whenever Kristy Lee and I are riding from sea to shining sea, the skies are spacious and the Blue Angels are flying overhead.''

KristyLee'sHorse: ''Sometimes, when Kristy Lee and I are galloping across the fruited plain, on our way to deliver freshly baked cookies to old war veterans, a rainbow will appear over our heads. Only it's red white and blue!''

P.S. Those aren't my quotes!

BobDob | Apr 16, 2008 8:12:09 AM | #

I absolutely hate the idea of Desperate Housewives copying Lost.
One of my favorite aspects of the show is the families.
Am already sad that both Andrew and Danielle have moved out of Bree's,
if moving the show means
no more Julie, Andrew and Danielle, as well as all of the Scavo kids - I'll hate it. Especially Parker will be a loss, that kid is so much better than the twins, although I like them too.
This season was just fine so far for me, so why twist right now...
The only thing interesting about 5 years forward is how many marriages Gabrielle will have gone through till then... I mean look how quickly she got married and widowed by Victor...

Ray | Apr 21, 2008 3:44:35 AM | #

hey i dident even like him. 2 bad so sad loser.

lalalalzalsallals | May 4, 2008 8:26:25 AM | #

hey i dident even like him. 2 bad so sad loser.

lalalalzalsallals | May 4, 2008 8:26:29 AM | #

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