TrevorCarpenter.com

This morning we watched Idol Gives Back, the now annual American Idol special episode. It was actually broadcast last night, but we like to watch Idol with the kids, and sometimes we wait until the following morning to enjoy it as a family.

I must say, with all the hype and contest aside, I am always caught off guard by the stories, ushered in by a celebrity. I am generally an emotional person anyway. But seeing pop-culture icons meeting and telling the story of suffering is pretty cool. I mean, who knew that a simple, horrible, story of a young family, headed by the oldest 15 year old brother would bring Annie Lennox to tears?

What I love the most about this television program is a few things. First, they seem to try hard to keep it a non-political program. Over the last few years, I’ve watch U2’s Bono as he embraces his new calling to change the world. I actually think he’s making a difference. It’s cool that he’s humble enough to open up his arms, and allow Idol to be a part of his own program. Even though I’m sure we can all conclude which direction Bono’s political beliefs swing, he doesn’t seem to try to and manipulate our principles. He’s focused on making a real difference.

OK, the other thing I love is that Idol Gives Back is a perfect example of people using their influence to make a difference. Companies rise to the occasion and give. Individuals rise to the occasion and give. Celebrities use their name and face to help us all get involved. This is proof to me, that the government should never have gotten involved in social programs. The government generally wastes money, time, and energy, when they get into social programs. But when big business does it, we see efficiency, effectiveness, and success.

On a side note, Simon, could you please help the honorable Gordon Brown get a suit that fits?

You can still donate, head to IdolAid.com to donate now.

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Simon and Randy, you guys are a pair of idiots! There is no way that Syesha, and her failure to be anything other than a cookie-cutter R&B singer, is even in Carly’s league. Carly Smithson is not even in this competition. She’s in a league of her own.

I think that the other contestants need to forget that they might win this year’s American Idol. I think they need to work hard for #2. There’s no one even close to Carly. No one.

That may be her problem. She’s so much better than everyone else that they are holding her to a different standard.

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I got to tell you…Chikezie has been on my “send ‘em home” list for few weeks. He hasn’t been the worst performer any one night, he’s just not done anything that tells me he’s worth keeping around.

And then came the Beatles night. Holy moly! Where did he get that? Chikezie really found something special, from deep down inside, and delivered an amazing performance. He delivered a tremendous version of She’s A Woman.

Deanna and I were standing up it was such a great job. He didn’t just sing well. He chose a great song, for him, and had it arranged in a way that really showed us that he’s not just a Luther Vandross wanna-be. Well done, Chikezie, well done.

Below are my favorite performances of the night. Of course Chikezie is first, then David Cook singing Eleanor Rigby, and last is my favorite over all, Carly Smithson singing Come Together.

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How on God’s green earth is Kady still in this thing? Please, please, send her home! I don’t want to be mean. I just want the best people to do well on American Idol.

Keeping with the theme…

Also, America, send that man-girl Danny Noriega home too!

OK, better thoughts…

Keep the foreigners, Michael & Carly! They rock!

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This was a no brainer, but must be blogged.

Congratulations Jordin!

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I am admitting it publicly. I watch American Idol. Tonight, not only did I watch, but I voted. I voted for the first time. I wish I had voted weeks ago, because maybe Phil Stacey would have survived longer. Hindsight, blah, blah.

So here we are, the final two sang tonight and I was blown away with Jordin Sparks’ performance. Don’t get me wrong, Blake Lewis is great. He is definately an awesome performer. I am entertained by him.

However, Jordin can sing. There’s no way around it, she rocks! Now, I’ve heard it said many times that she’s so young. Some of my own family have sniveled it one too many times, “she’s just so immature.”

I don’t care! She’s clearly got a decent home life and upbringing. Hey, her parents are still married and she isn’t trying to succeed with the use of her body. She’s already got more class than most of the “more mature” recently voted off idols.

So, back to the voting. I voted, for Jordin. Not just once, but almost 50 times. My cellphone actually almost lost power by the time I was done. Of course about 1 in 3 calls doesn’t connect. Too many teenage girls voting. So I placed more calls than I can count.

What does this say about me? Comment below. Of course, I just don’t care, but I’ll let you share your opinion

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Sayonara to Sanjaya. America voted, and he’s gone. Whew!

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