SHOULD BE 10 BUT IT'S STLL 11

It's probably just me cos even  Americn Idol can't seem to excite me much today.
Evenso, I did make a point to watch it from the beginning while doing the laundry....and blogging about it.
OK, enough of the small talk .On to the reviews. As always, I’ll review each performance based on how  I see ( hear is the more correct word) it.
In order of performance
*Scotty McCreery, “Country Comfort.” Yessss......the opening act.
It was nice to see Scotty and on the guitar. Somehow a man with the guitar always gets to me. He has a fantastic voice and can sing country so well. . ..thou anything he sing always sounds great to me.
Muaahhhhh..just love him


*Naima Adedapo, “I’m Still Standing.” Well, she won’t be tomorrow night. I’m pretty sure she sealed her fate with this one. . She’s just not a good technical singer.

*Paul McDonald, “Rocket Man.”   He shouldn’t have chosen that song cos it did more harm than good for him.. Paul is probably better suited fronting a band. Not being the American Idol. With the judges giving him negative reviews,  I don’t think he’ll last much longer in the competition. You just can't make a slightest 'slip' with everyone around so good .... what's with that outfit? Like I've seen him 100 times in it.

*Pia Toscano, “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me.” REALLY? Again a ballad?,  Somehow when Scotty sings country all the way, no one seems to be bother and yet with her, everyone starts to yak.
No doubt she does have a great voice, nailed the song ... and with that beauty...wow...you can't help youself but love her.

*Stefano Lagone, “Tiny Dancer.” HHmmmmm..... so so... He was extra careful after last week's listing. Done a good job I supposed as the judges seems to think so.

 

*Lauren Alaina, “Candle in the Wind.”  This is such an emotional song and she nailed it to the ground.. I think it’s the best performance of her run and probably of the night. Even the judges agreed to that.
Steven said..' if you gonna sing like that always than you might just be able to afford the whole dress.... ' I didn't think much of the dress too. ..funny with the 'tail' hanging out there.

*James Durbin, “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting.”   James’ performance was insane.  Last week Steven already said he was crazy...In a good way.

It was good if you like rocker cos hes all that this week... better than most “Idol” finale performances.
He's still one of the judges favourites.

*Thia Megia, “Daniel.”  A familiar song.... which I myself  love so much. It suite well with her vocal. Although it sounded slower than the original song.
It was nothing spectacular...just normal for me.

*Casey Abrams, “Your Song.” Now we can see he really slowing it down this week. Making sure we won't be where he was last week.  I think it paid off too. The judges love him,,come to think of it, so did I.  Tonight performance would be good enough to save him.

 *Jacob Lusk, “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word.” What was with that fake crying face?  I just don’t like his voice. I want to be fair to Jacob, because I think he’s a good artist. But I just can’t get into his voice and his singing style. Ugh. I don’t know what to say.

*Haley Reinhart, “Bennie and The Jets.” . I had  fun listening to her sing this song. It was alright, better than some of the earlier singers. Still....I just can's picture her going all the way to the end (evenwith a strong fan club)

100 Percent Safe: James Durbin, Casey Abrams, Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery
Most Likely Safe: Pia Toscano, Haley Reinhart, Stefano Langone, Jacob Lusk
Probably the Bottom 3: Paul, Naima , Thia
Possibly going: Naima  or Paul 

This could be another crazy week.  I'm predicting based on what I just heard.  I’m not confident at all in these predictions...afterall I'm not even american to begin with.... BUT I'am very confident with those on the 100percent safe list. ..hahaha

PROBABLY A SALE

I woke up early with 'tons' of things to do before I leave.
It has always been the case with me each time a trip or holiday is planned.
There is really not much 'fun' and excitements prior to the actual trip.
I had to get 'everything' and everyone , animals included lives 'arranged' for the days that I won't be here to see to.
Ten days  to be exact.
aaarrrr..... how I sometimes wish I just can pick up my bags and leave without worrying of who and what I leave behind.
Fat chance that'll ever happen since the 'children' came...... again...animals included.

With two of the male pups 'booked', I have now only the female dapple to 'give away' when this young girl whom had earlier emailed me about them came calling.
Strange that I can sense much earlier through her email, that she would be someone who I feel could give the pups a good home.
True enough she was a true animal lover. She said she wanted to get a pup for her 12yr old nephew's birthday. What better way to let him learn about responsibilities...her exact words.
She said had gone all over town in search for an 'easy' to care dog. Even extended the search to KK.
She was atually the first person to respond to my add...about three weeks ago.
Somehow or rather I left it unattended. I have grown attached to the pups and so had second thoughts about giving them away.
The vet convinced me to ....''give them away..remember they live a long life...12yr or more...."
That got me thinking...and with the ten already at home, ..they would make 13...aaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrr
yea....she was right. BUT just as long as to good homes.

Awh....just look at them. How could you not love them. They surely will be missed.

They are still at home now but by the weekend, I'll be just Blink Blink in the house.

I STILL BELIEVE

I believe everything happens for a reason! People change so you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you can appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so that you will eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes, good things fall apart, so better things can fall together. Marilyn Monroe

There's a lot of truth in that....with time,'Things' will fall into places.

Meantime.....

Time is free, but it’s priceless, you can’t own it, but you can use it.

You can’t keep it, but you can spend it.

...We will  lose our today worrying about tomorrow

I DIDN'T GET IT RIGHT

So I didn't get it right this week... but I did mention that he could be there at the bottom three.

Two out of them made it to the bottom three. Thia and Casey.

(Thanks to Haley's strong fan club again I suppose....BUT  it'll end soon ).
It's not that I don't like her or what , I just feel that she and Naima are the weakest ones now .

Unlike the ones before him, Casey didn't get to sing for his life. The judges  stop his performance in a move that I’m almost certain they rehearsed. I don’t think Casey knew what was going to happen, but I’m pretty sure Ryan and the judges knew. Bad acting people.

At any rate, Casey is safe, and he can ride that wave for another two or three weeks at least. His fans have been scared into voting. So we’ll probably see Haley, Naima and Thia fall during the next couple weeks.

 Am not exactly a Stephano fan but, to give credit where credit is due.He shouldn’t haven’t been in the bottom 3 for sure. There are other contestants who are less talented than him.  He performed consistently well (or at the very least, he wasn’t the worst) each time he appeared on stage.

The problem with AI now is  like I've mentioned earlier. It’s not really based on vocal abilities anyomore. It's more of a popularity game. Sad, but true and who can blame that?...everyone is at parr at this point .

IT'S MOTOWN

“American Idol” contestants had to sing hits from Motown tonight and I have very little to complain about. Song choices were mostly good though I didn't really know most of them.
 Ryan wasn’t annoying....Randy was less 'mean'.. Steven seemed less bored than usual...while Jennifer looks beautiful with her side parting rebonded hair....or wig?

As I see and hear them.-

*Casey Abrams, “I Heard it Through The Grapevine.” Finally some control during his performances.  He still came off as angry and not very fun to watch.
Nothing feels natural and effortless but it was still way better than last week's screaming.

*Thia Megia, “Heat Wave.” At last she chose an upbeat song. But it didn’t really work for me.  It just didn’t seem right coming from her. It’s kind of weird and hard to explain.  Probably her goody goody looks doesn't match her with singing these kind of songs. When they reshow the clippings of everyone's performance for the night....she kind of stand there amongs the bottom listed.

*Jacob Lusk, “You’re All I Need to Get By.” Much much better. Way more controlled.
 I almost thought he was at risk at Bottom 3 this week until this performance (and the extra stage time for pimping). Maybe next week....

*Lauren Alaina, “You Keep Me Hanging On.” . She did a great  job. I loved the slower beginning then the powerful jumpoff. I really enjoyed her stage presence although I feel she would look better if she could cut her weight down. She has this way of making  singing look so easy and effortless. 
The judges love her....as always.

*Stefano Lagone, “Hello.” One of my favourite song and also one of which I'm familiar with .  I was able to picked up on a lot of emotion in his performance. Probably because he now opens his eyes more :)
Good reviews from the judges though personally I thought  he still screams a lot.

*Haley Reinhart, “You Really Got a Hold On Me.” Ugghh..... She picked the wrong song?... It just didn't sound 'right'. And she needs to cut down on the growling. It’s so overdone.
 I don’t know, I just didn’t like it.

*Scotty McCreery, “For Once in My Life.”  YEAH!!!...I was happy he stayed true to himself (even though I’m not sure it’s possible for him not to). He kept showing us he can take a non-country song and put his country spin on it. Overall, it was fine. Not his best, but not bad. Everyone from judges to the audience (& ME!)  loves him so it doesn’t even matter.

*Pia Toscano, “All In Love Is Fair.” . She HAS to sing something different. Thou I can’t give her a low grade. Her performance was flawless.... and she looks so beautiful.

*Paul McDonald, “Tracks of My Tears.”  Finally  someone with a guitar. And it helped keep Paul in one place. I think his dancing is irritating some people (not me), so that was probably a good move. It wasn’t the best vocal of the night, but I think  it was the best performance of the night. He’s just so easy to listen to and watch. I loved it.

*Naima Adedapo, “Dancing in the Streets.”  I thought she needed to sing a slow song to try and focus on her pitch issues. But she  sang another upbeat song ...so she could dance? Although I think she made a good decision on that  because the judges were generous with their remarks. I didn’t love the performance but at the same time didn't love it  too.
She clearly lost a couple notes there ...but  she’ll  still probably make it through this week.

*James Durbin, “Living For The City.”  As usual  it was a great performance. He's still in the judges's favourite list evenif Randy was a little negative with his remarks there. Jennifer on the other hand said OMG like a hundred times... while Steven said you needed to be  a little 'crazy'..

100 percent safe   : James Durbin, Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, Pia Toscano
Likely safe            :  Stefano Langone, Paul McDonald, Casey Abrams,Jacob Lusk,
Probably bottom 3: Haley Reinhart, Naima Adedapo, Thia Megia
Likely to go home : Haley Reinhart

Tonight’s performances were so good, that it’s hard to predict what will happen this week. Naima could pull herself out of the bottom. In that case, I’d say Casey would drop into the bottom.  Unless Casey and Thia change places. It’s a tough call!

SCOTTY ON iTUNES

This is what I mean when I said I can't help but like him and that voice.
Wow..he's already singing like a star.

RIGHT AGAIN!

First of all, I’m going to pat myself on the back for getting the “American Idol” Bottom 3 and eliminated contestant exactly right two weeks in a row.... though I was not really that confident with my predictions.

Haley was safe because I feel she does have a stronger fan group plus her unique vocal whereas in Naima case, she was 'something' different that adds some 'colours' and 'flavours' to the show.
Karen on the other hand was somehow...'ordinary' in comparison.

Though they might be safe this week , I'm pretty sure Naima and Haley would still be there at the bottom  three list next week.
The judges made it clear who their favourites were with their positive remarks. Same as with us listener, we have our own favourite .
Honestly...It's really anyone's win.
Everyone is so good.

IDOL TIME AGAIN

By the time I realised that Idol was on today, it was already halway finishing on prime time.
Aaarrrrrrrr..how could I have forgotten.
Nevertheless I was still able to catch some of the best singers for the night....before catching the rerun again at midnight.
Overall , other than Scotty's, I didn't really think much of  their songs choices.
Nothing wrong with the songs, probably just the way they all sang it to make it theirs.
Then again it could just probably be me having used to hearing the original version of the songs that makes these effort seems 'wrong'.

Recap:-
Scotty -When it comes to country music. Turning a rock song into country?.. I just love him.He has this weird power over me. I can’t not like his performance or that voice.

Casey- He was screaming halfway through the song but the judges love him, so he’ll be safe

Lauren- She completely redeemed herself from last week’s not-so-good performance. And she’s sick.

Jacob - He needs to hold back that powerful voice a little...it's like he's screaming all the time

Stefano - great vocal acording to the judges...scream a lot too but still bearable

Pia - Other than the Miss Universe looks ,her singing talent is  undeniable.

Haley -very unique voice that I can't really know wheather to like or dislike here.She had her moments but moments aren't good enough sometimes.

James - Such a performer.He’ll have people voting for him for that reason alone.

Thia -she ia an effortless singer with a super smooth voice. I do hope she steps it up next week. I’m tried of all the sleepy songs!

Naima - Flat during most of the song...

Paul - Unique voice, wacky dance moves, crazy perfect smile..love or hate him. It  was ok.


My pick for the bottom three would be - 
Karen Rodriguez, Haley Reinhart, Naima Adedapo

Most likely to go - Karen Rodriguez
I’m not as confident as I was with last week’s. I think Haley could just as easily go home . I also think there’s a slight possibility Jacob, Paul or Stefano could fall into the Bottom 3.
One thing for sure where voting is concerned ,the girls will always go first... (hey, it was a weird night… anything can happen tomorrow).

DOING LITTLE

Yesterday Jo called and we made a date to do a few 'thing' that we need to do together. Importantly...to transfer some monies for our up coming holiday trip.
I had wanted to wake up early to do a load of laundry prior to spending the morning with her but somehow I ended up just the opposite.
I think the heavy rain had a lot to do with that.
Yup.. it rained 'cats and dogs' the earlier part of the day.
I called Jo to recomfirm our outing when I didn't get her call during her coffee break....which was 'the time' for our 'date'.
Far a change, I was going to be the 'legs' today as her car was still in the workshop pending major repairs after Sheryl 'smashed' it a week ago.
It  turned out that the wanted to 'ular' more than the coffee break's hour....it would be lunch today.
I finally went and get her at eleven.
Parked infront of the bank in bandar Indah, she said her IC was not with her.
Ten minutes later with her handbag upside down, the missing document  was still no way in sight.
The trip to the bank ended up there at the parking lot.
Still wanting to try and do her dealings with another bank ( somewhere in town) with her passport ( which was in her bag) as identification paper, we headed on.
Finding a parking space in town was madness and something I totally never liked.
Today luck was with us as we managed to find one the moment we reached there.
 Aarrrrr...parking the car was something I still totally dislike .... not forgetting getting out of the parking space
It was really an Aarrrrrrrrrrrrrr....moments.

We had lunch at Letat Market ...which I suggested after knowing that she had not been there since it's opening in January.
I had wanted to send her back to her office prior getting a hair cut  for myself but she herself  decided to have one too.
I was finally back home at around three.
Didn't get to do much as what we had planned actually...still the company and getting my hair cut was great.

I watched the Malaysia's 24 interstate ten pin bowling competition on astro while multi tasking with what needs doing stuff ( the maid didn't come AGAIN this morning) plus the unfinish laundry still  in the washing machine.

I just love to see Sin Li Jane bowl. She was the best for me tonight, she bowled so effortless and yet a connection of strikes.

I watched bowlers go through six games...plus the tons of adverstiments in between.

Sabah's girls pair of Alex and Lala  games were telecasted live alonside national's elite of Xandra Aziela and Zatil Iman .I felt so thrilled to be able to watch live so many amazing national's backup bowlers, Si Li Jane, Jacqueline Jenelee Sejorie,Dyg Khairuniza among others ,..... nevertheless not forgetting a few not so amazing 'oldies' who bowled  in the same manner as me and Jo. ( Jo's term - 'kampungan')
Makes me dream that I could be there bolwing with them...hahaha what a thought huh.

But what can I say but WOW....they were that good . Overall the telecast was good.  So good  so that I was totally into the show..thus forgetting  American Idol.
hhmm....
I even missed part of the reruns on prime time....

First one out

American idol got their  first elimination right....just as I did.
Although she sang so good that earned her the first wild card into the top 13 last week, Ashthon did not do quite so well  during the premiere show.
Her version of Diana Ross's , 'When you tell me that you love me' ( one of my favourite song too), did nothing to put her above the rest  .Instead  it kind of  acknowledged her from the good to the not so good condenders.
Either it was the way she wanted the song to sound or my ears were telling me she was off keys most of the time. ( it still sounded that way when she sang it again for the judges' save )

It was the same too for Karen. I didn't like her song choice. I didn't feel the connections with that song. There was nothing to really wow about. She might be save now but I'm not counting on her to go further to the end.
Now Hailey on the other hand I thought was good. Maybe it's the country side of me that liked the way she yoddled the word 'bluuuuuue...'
it was different yet pleasent to hear.....evenif Randy said it was kind of sleepy.
She was not one of my favourite prior to top 13 and will still have to show me something other than that 'bluuuuuue...' to make it on my list.

My pick for this week's performances
James,Pia,Scotty,Paul,Lauren,Casey...... then again not in that particular order

Women’s Day

I always have a doubt that what purpose is served by dedicating a day for something as important as Love or Father or Mother or Women or Friendship or….I guess the list is too long…
I just feel all these days are nothing but market building activities for big companies.
Well, its not that I don’t wish people on these days and join groups protesting against these days. Ya, I wish people on these days…But there is always a thought, why all these.
Maybe a day particularly dedicated gives us an opportunity to tell people how important they are.
Then again celebrating all these are a waste, if you celebrate Valentines day with someone and dump that person next week…
It's waste, if you wish your mother “Happy Mother’s Day” and next day make her cry…
It's useless, if you wish your father “Happy Father’s Day” and go on defying him every now and then…
It’s of no use, if you keep sending mails on Women’s Day and then see women getting exploited every now and then quietly…
Tell me what purpose it serves, sending mails on Friendship day and not being there with your friend, when s/he is alone and needs a friend…
It's not about celebrating these days...
it's about loving people and celebrating each passing day as an occasion of love and care.
That is the real reason why we celebrate.


I got this email to me by Yvonne today and I just thought it's worth keeping and sharing.

Why Women Are So Special.

Mum and Dad were watching TV when Mum said, "I'm tired, and it's
Getting late. I think I'll go to bed."
She went to the kitchen to make sandwiches for the next day's
Lunches. Rinsed out the popcorn bowls, took meat out of the
Freezer for supper the following evening, checked the cereal box
Levels, filled the sugar container, put spoons and bowls on the
Table and started the coffee pot for brewing the next morning.
She then put some wet clothes in the dryer, put a load of clothes
Into the washer, ironed a shirt and secured a loose button. She
Picked up the game pieces left on the table, put the phone back on
The charger and put the telephone book into the drawer. She
Watered the plants, emptied a wastebasket and hung up a towel to
Dry. She yawned and stretched and headed for the bedroom.
She stopped by the desk and wrote a note to the teacher, counted
Out some cash for the excursion and pulled a text book out from
Hiding under the chair. She signed a birthday card for a friend,
Addressed and stamped the envelope and wrote a quick note for the
Grocery store. She put both near her bag.
Mum then washed her face with 3 in 1 cleanser, put on her Night
Solution & age fighting moisturizer, brushed and flossed her teeth
And filed her nails.
Dad called out, "I thought you were going to bed."
"I'm on my way," she said. She put some water into the dog's dish
And put the cat outside, then made sure the doors were locked and
The patio light was on.. She looked in on each of the kids and
Turned out their bedside lamps and radios, hung up a shirt, threw
Some dirty socks into the hamper, and had a brief conversation
With the one up still doing homework.
In her own room, she set the alarm; laid out clothing for the next
Day, straightened up the shoe rack. She added three things to her
6 most important things to do list. She said her prayers, and
Visualized the accomplishment of her goals.
About that time, Dad turned off the TV
And announced to no one in particular. "I'm going to bed." And he
Did...without another thought.
Anything extraordinary here? Wonder why women live longer...?
'BECAUSE THEY ARE MADE FOR THE LONG HAUL.........
(and they can't die sooner, they still have MANY things to do!!!!)

Send this to five phenomenal women today...they' ll love you for it!
And Forward this to as many men as you can so that they know why

Women are so special :) ..........!

God's very very special creation!

LOOPIE DIED TODAY

An unplesent awakening by dogs this morning.
Don't know why the dogs were barking about in the wee hours of the morning.
I went back to sleep only to wake up at 5.20am when my alarm went off.
Aarrr...I have forgotten to switch it off last night. Knowing it was saturday , I kind of tossed and turned around till I fell asleep again.
I finally woke up at 7.30am after realising that  the maid won't be coming in today.
Lydia was already awake and was doing her homwork.
I went around  doing what needs urgent doing....i.e. my pets while doing my online cafe :)
Found that Loopie is looking worse than yesterday. He was not even eating as his usual self.
Judging from the way he was, I was prepare for his passing anytime soon.
Andrew said I should have put him to sleep much earlier. I knew he was right but I just didn't have the heart to do it seeing that he was still eating well eventhough he was losing so much weight.

Went out for lunch with the girls at Letat market before going round the pet stores hunting for a hamster's cage.
I had bought Yona a hamster yesterday to replace Fudgecake who passed away the day before we left for KK even when I had said he would be the last.
Well.... hamsters don't last long...two years maximum so....

Ah...FudgeCake..with borrowed RIP condolence ad

We went on to mile eight market for some cat's fish plus tonight's dinner.  It has been a long time since we ate at home so I have decide to cook tonight.
There were not much choice to choose from but I still ended up buying 23 kg of fish .

Reaching home, I found  Loopie  lifeless at the place where he was this morning.
I had seen so many before him. I had found him in that same manner. Mouth opened, arms,legs and tail all streached out.. a little passing of motion. He had breath his final breath.
Sadness overcame me and a little tear shed but I knew it was for the best.
He was well loved and had lived a long cat's life. He even overtake Lydia's nine years.
Memories of him in happy times came crashing in. He was a part of all of us for those many years.
He was there alongside the girls growing up.
Oh Loopie.. .no one can but love you .
I wrapped him in newspapers and put his aside to bury but not before cutting his signature nail...the curled up forefinger nail that will always got hooked not only to me but to anyone he put his paw to.
That was one of the many things that he does that makes us remember him. Another one would be his sucking our earlobes once he got a little over 'manja' crawling upward our bodies.
I remembered how Yona used to let him do it to her earlobes when she was little ....oh boy.. memories doesn't make it easier.
It rained heavily the whole afternoon which makes it easier for me to dig his grave at the backyard.
I finally was able to do that around six in the evening....while halfway frying fish

Loopie -the familiar sight of him taking a nap. He was a white half persian cat born with his fore limbs deformed. When he walks it appeared as if he was using his elbows to move.He had soft voice which was hardly heard and also had this sleepy half opened eyes when he look at you.

R.I.P. Loopie... I cried again as I pile up the loose soil back into the hole. ..just as I did for the many loved cats I have buried there before him.
Just the thought of not being greeted by him tomorrow morning when I open the front door already makes me sad.
He will be dearly missed...

Friday the 4th March 2011

Felt sleepy eventhough I went to bed early last night.
Woke up at 5.20am just as the alarm went off.  I had asked the girls to attend  school today since we were already back. It's friday so  it will just be a short day furthermore they have been absent for a whole four days already.( we just returned from KK yesterday after MSSS)
Lydia for one will have tons of accumulate homework to attend to.
Typical 'ordinary' for a chinese school I'm sure . I dread to think of the hours I'll have to 'help' her doing them.
Don't know for what reason Yona decided not to go after all. Said later that she was sick..but does'nt seem like she is. Probably just the too familiar 'lazy' sickness attack.

Did one load of laundry before dad's call got me all 'worked up'. Seems that they had forgotten to bring the car's keys and somehow they got locked ( sterring lock) somewhere at mile 32.
They had left for Papar more than an hour ago but had stopped at mile 32 for breakfast and the rest was history.
Not to opt taking the bus back to get the key, Dad had insisted that I drive all the way there and deliver the key myself.
Aaahhh.. I hated it when caught off guard like this. My car's battery was not even attached yet.
Luckly Andrew was done with his Hospital thing and was on the way home.
After taking the key from mom's house, we left for what seems to be a never ending drive.
There were a lot of cars on the route so we didnt get to speed up till the later part of the journey.
Reaching there we found them all sweaty in the car...hahaha must have felt forever for them while waiting.
We were back on the route towards home momentry. Not  forgetting to stop over at the nursery  to get some soil for my garden.
Sent Tisha microphone and  replenish my drinking water supply at Indah Jaya.
Whole afternoon was spent upgrading my Cafe ...and recap of american idol.
Another load of laundry before getting real dinner on the table.
Watching re run of American idol while helping to do Lydia's homework.

AMERICANS' CHOICE

    Jacob Lusk

Casey Abrams

James Durbin

 

Paul McDonald

Scotty McCreery

Wild card pick -Stefano Langone

Haley Reinhart

 

Karen Rodriguez

 Lauren Alaina

Wild card pick- Naima Adedapo

Pia Toscano

Thia Megia

Wildcard  pick- Ashthon Jones

Wow oh wow....they got it right this time. These are the best of the best.

For half of this year's Top 24, their first American Idol performance was also their last.

No doubt they were all 'good' but now it has become a popularity contest.
The winner must therefore be able to capture America's votes.

Personally, I didn't catch the show last night but  my eagerness to know made me check online for the final list.  Doesn't really matter thou as most of my 'picks' were in the top 24, so one way or another they will move on to the next round. As I've said it's a popularity contest now .
Whatever it is, the next performance will determine my next list of favourites.
We will follow american style of voting...i.e. 'you sing good you get my vote'
unlike the typical Malaysian ...you know how that goes!