I also suspect that Bourdain was playing up his exhaustion for the cameras a bit.

Oh, totally. In fact, Lea pretty much predicted that was how it was going to play out before it began. But I'm willing to bet that really was gruelling, and that Ripert really did have a blast. (He said he never worked a grill station before, so the novelty was probably a factor.)

I hope that they repeat the episode!

If certain Buffistas were to go to the EW website to watch their Idolatry commentary show and to watch said Idolatry top 12 predictions spot, these selfsame Buffistas might hear one of their very own giving her learned opinion on all things Idol (and might also learn her IRL last name, but I don't worry that y'all will stalk me or anything).

I'm talking to Michael Slezak from EW about Idol, baybee! Woot!

Ahem. Good times. Good times.

Oh! You have such a cute little voice! Somehow I imagined a big voice.

Wait, which one? There's so many clips on that page.

Aww, flea. So sweet! Imagine that voice in a 9th grade ESL class with 40 teenagers. They were constantly amazed. It's a little bitty voice, but it suits me.

brenda, The "Beatles Night Preview"!!

Speaking of,

Syesha Mercado – Got to Get You Into My Life

I was bored. I totally thought this song was originally by The Commodores. Who knew? It was just . . . ok. At least she didn’t scream as much. She has some real issues with her lower register. But goodness gracious, is she ever gorgeous! Two hours from now, I won’t remember what she sang at all.

Oh, hah, I listened to like half of that one and then figured I'd clicked the wrong link.

Also, when I put it back on, you sound exactly like my coworker who I was emailing in another window, which gave me a start.

Also also, ITA on everything.

Ryan totally stole Paula's stash.

Chikezie – She’s a Woman

Sorry pre-song interview and clip package, it is much too late to try to play the humble card, now. They are really trying to get him some fans, huh? Ryan dancing like Chikezie’s mom? Adorkable! Wow, they are giving him the full on pimp treatment. He’s got a bluegrass band on stage with him. Super interesting arrangement. Wow. I’m impressed. If he’s copied it from someone else, I’m not familiar with it. He’s a little bit shrill, but this is fun and unique. That’s the way you work that number two spot. The key to getting through tonight is not getting lost in the crowd and he totally accomplished that. I love Ryan Seacrest. Love!

Ramiele Malubay – In My Life

Great song, but maybe not for her. I would’ve liked to see her do something other than a drippy ballad. And it really fell flat after Chikezie’s song. It was just boring. Whenever Paula leads with “You look lovely” that’s not good. Paula is so on point tonight. She’s learning how to regulate her meds better.

Yeah, very pretty and blah. Not cruise-shippified like Syesha, but still.

I did not see that coming from Chikezie. Nice.

Jason Castro – If I Fell

Es Colombiano! Claro que si. That’s super cool. Yep. I love this dread locked stoner kid. Enough to overlook my general disdain for the white man’s locks. He really needs to stop making creepy faces, though. That was a beautiful performance, if a little bit expected. Kinda felt like a retread of his first performance. As usual, I agree with Simon. It seemed like a lazy choice.

Carly Smithson – Come Together

Huh. Not the song I expected her to choose. Totally thought Amanda would do it. But a great song choice for her. This is the best she’s looked since she’s been on the show. I love that dress and want it for me. That was funky. And that totally wasn’t her husband unless he’s had some serious laser tattoo removal surgery. Also, yes, she's good but she ain’t no Kelly Clarkson.

David Cook – Eleanor Rigby

Haaaaattteee! Pre-emptive hate. You were a “drink slinger”? Who says that? Tools and douchebags. That’s who. He’s just such an enormous poser. I’m so very bored now. And just so unattractive. Looks and vocals. He can’t sing any better than 50 other bar band singers. And why does he look like a 70 year old orangutan? Let the tongue bath commence. Sigh.