I haven't watched American Idol for several seasons, probably since it was last shown free to air. This year it's showing on sub TV and I'm watching and I'm enjoying. Not always the performances, but Simon.

Here's the deal: I'm going to blog a few random thoughts on the show, but I reckon we're watching AFTER you guys in America so no spoilers, okay? (Not that I always watch the results show because it's like ten minutes worth watching stretched and dragged out.)

The 11 Show: Beatles two weeks in a row--what were they thinking? Not that I don't love the fab four, but are they still relevant to kids in their teens and twenties??? My teens and twenties don't think so, and while last week's shows featured some pretty cool interpretations this week was always going to be about 2nd choices. No surprise that the 2 best performances were from artists who disappointed last week (David A and Syesha) and had to do better this time.

Simon, you were right: Jason really is all about the goofy charm, isn't he? I find myself smiling along with him. He has that kinda face.

Simon, you were wrong: Carly, Blackbird. I loved her simple, subtle, restrained delivery...but then I've never been a fan of the big, belted-out ballad.

Looking good: loved Syesha's dress, but what was Ramiele wearing? ==>>

I'm loving: Brooke and Michael.

I'm over: Amanda but I reckon it might be Kristy who goes home. A pity because she seems a real sweetie. I like her voice but she doesn't have the hey-look-at-me stage presence of some of the others.

Labels: Idol, TV

Recently I discovered British show Top Gear (Saturday nights on our SBS network) and I'm loving it. In a nutshell (and from the SBS website because, when it comes to blurbing, why tinker with the experts who market the show?): "TOP GEAR is a high octane mix of performance cars, adrenalin, comedy and celebrities. The hugely popular motoring magazine test drives and brutally appraises the world's most popular cars with startling honesty, along with celebrity laps, irreverent wraps and breathtaking stunts and driving."

Before you ask, no I am not a secret revhead. I like a nice car as much as the next person, but if I were writing a "these are a few of my favourite things" list, then the only horse-power listed would be the hooved kind. But Top Gear is now one of my favourite TV indulgences.

At first I thought it would be good research, since the guys often test the kind of high-end, expensive cars driven by Desire heroes these days. The vision of a sleek Mercedes flying along a German autobahn might have provided the initial motivation but I stayed for the entertainment. I love the witty banter between the three presenters and the intelligent good-humoured snark, but I've also learned a lot about boys and their toys and the whole male-buddies interaction thing. And that human touch is excellent research for a romance writer.

Is there a show that you found unexpectedly entertaining this year? That surprised or delighted you?

Labels: boys toys, TV