Rumor Rundown

And in other, but Idol related news, OMG! Mic in the Metro had an amazing first week. I was out there, getting people signed and ready to sing. If you missed it, we're doing an American Idol style competition. Once a week, for four weeks, we're heading to Union Station to hear what KC has to offer. You get 30 seconds to sing your heart out and capture the attention of our secret judge (no, it's not me). We'll pick four finalists every week, unveil them on FOX 4 News at 9, and then, it's in your hands. Every week, vote for your favorite. We'll invite the highest vote getters from each week to our studio for a grand finale. The winner gets 8 free recording sessions. So, make you way to Union Station on Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. We had such a great showing -- and such great singers! I was amazed at how well you all can sing. And if you plan on showing us what you've got, get there early! We had to stop taking people when we got to 40 contestants. Come meet me, belt it out, and vote your way through Mic in the Metro!

So, if you missed it, your bottom three -- Phil, Haley and Chris Sligh. And it's Chris Sligh whose Idol run is over. Not a huge surprise, as most of you bloggers so smartly predicted. His performances started out strong, but he quickly became forgettable. And the one we all love to hate, Sanjaya, is STILL making it through. He didn't even make it in the bottom three!

Next up -- Tony Bennett coaches the remaining nine. And we all have another hair style by Sanjaya to look forward to. Our memphis affiliate station created a fun little feature, giving us some possibilities to anticipate. It's hard to pick a favorite, but I'm vying for the mullet or the Trump.

And the web is always working for you! We've something MAJOR for you Idol fans... it's like blogging, but better! "Idol Banter" is your chance to chat with each other, Idol fans and FOX 4 employees during ALL American Idol shows. And of course, I'll be right there in the mix, chatting away with you all soon! It will be our new vice.

It's official. As promised in Friday's installment of Gossip Goddess, we now know what killed Anna Nicole -- it was (drum roll) drugs. A medical examiner says Anna Nicole Smith died of an accidental overdose -- a mix of sleeping pills and eight prescription pills. The toxic cocktail proved to be too much for the 38-year-old former Playboy playmater's body. She Laos had a bacterial infection from injecting a medication into her bum. There are no indications of foul play, so no charges against anyone are expected, including creepy partner Howard K. Stern.

So what do you all make of this? No big surprise here, right? Still, tragic.

After a week of hiatus, your Rumor Rundown American Idol recap is BACK!

First of, let's get this out in the open. When I heard Lulu and Peter Noone were going to mentor our 11 Idols I had two thoughts. Who and what? For real, last week was Diana Ross, mega stars like J. Lo and Gwen Stefani are set to appear and we've got 2 hours of Lulu and Peter Noone?  But they both did a good job of mentoring the Idols, so I guess the producers do know what they're doing.

I do think it's pretty cool they decided to focus on 1960's British Invasion music. I think that pulls in a wider range of audiences than just focusing on current radio hits that a lot of viewers may not be too familiar with.

Haley kicked off the night with her rendition of "Tell Him." It really worked for her, she had fun, it was young and fresh and had a lot of energy. She's definitely getting more comfortable on the stage and growing into the competition. This performance made me like her more, although I do think she's a major Katharine McPhee wannabe.

"Don't let the Sun Catch You Crying" was what Chris Richardson picked for this week. It felt like an intimate concert performance, the middle was probably the best part of the whole song for Chris. I wasn't completely blown away like Randy, Paula and Simon, but I definitely think it's enough to get him by another week.

Stephanie did a Dusty Springfield song. She's becoming a shrinking violet. She made a big impression the first few weeks and now she's trickling off the map a little. She's still a solid performer, but to really keep pushing her fellow contestants out of the competition, it's going to take more than she gave.

I cannot say this enough -- Blake is amazing. He just mixes it up and it's something we've never seen before on Idol, let alone in a lot of musicians. "Time of the Season" grabbed your attention right away and kept it for the whole performance. It was just smooth and I think he sails on to next week -- easily. And hopefully to the American Idol title!

LaKisha did "Diamonds Are Forever." She was wearing a million dollars worth of diamonds and she has a million dollar voice, but this wasn't a million dollar performance, at least compared to her Idol reputation.

Phil sang "Tobacco Road" and I STILL just don't like him. I conveniently had some work to do while he was singing. I'm sure he was decent, but I'm okay with him getting kicked off at any point. And sooner rather than later would be better.

Jordin belted out "I Who Have Nothing" and she is incredible. That's all I have to say, incredible.

Sanjaya went for "You Really Got Me" and he's really got me -- got me wondering why he's still on, but why he didn't show this side of him before. And enough of that crying pre-teen girl! Sanjaya just may last one more week and I'm actually okay with it for the first time in the competition.

Gina picked "Paint It Black" and she's such the ultimate rocker. I love the new haircut, it looks great on her. The song really fit her and she has found her niche and is literally rocking it out. I disagree with the judges, I think the song really worked for her and she did just fine. Maybe not spectacular, but she was good.

The other Chris did "She's Not There" and the song really fit him. He did a really great job.

And Melinda rounded out the show with "As Long As He Needs Me" and we need her to stay in the competition because she is fantastic.  Absolutely fantastic!

So bloggers, who's going home tomorrow night? I think Phil and Sanjaya are in jeopardy and most likely to go home.

And if you missed it, check out the second installment of the Rumor Rundown web feature, we post them every Friday so look for the newest version at the end of the week -- and if you've got any ideas or crazy celebrity stories you want to see in it, let me know!

So four had to go, two guys, two girls. We knew that much. We knew the players who really couldn't cut it, so when Antonella and Sundance had to hit the road, it was no big deal. But Sabrina? What?! Come on, America!  She definitely deserved a spot in the final 12. My only theory is that people assume someone is good and there's no need to vote because Sabrina is so good, you figure she's safe.  In fact, I know this has to be the case, because (bear with me here) I don't vote.  I know, I know.  Don't be disappointed in your Gossip Goddess.  My only defense is I've never voted and I probably never will.  It doesn't come down to anything other than patience.  I would not be able to continually dial, hoping to hear a ring instead of a busy tone.  Call me a hypocrite, but I reserve voting for presidential elections. Commentary aside, here's what happened.

Jared, Antonella, Sabrina and Sundance are all toast. It was an emotional show for most of the contestants, facing the nerves and saying goodbye to four hopefuls.

But for me, the best part of American Idol's results show was their big announcement. If you missed it, Idol's giving back. They'll be working to fight poverty in both America and Africa and will fight other issues along the way like illiteracy. I think it's a long overdue idea. This show has so much power over the general public, it's the most watched show week after week, season after season. Why not bring attention to and share with viewers stories of people who are less fortunate and need a helping hand?  I think America will step up to the plate and make a difference, and that is better than any Idol winner or nail biting vote. So kudos to AI -- and here's to the top 12!

Jordin's is super cute, but can pack the attitude, just like she when singing the Pat Benatar song she picked.  She definitely passes in my book.

Sabrina gets props for her interest in journalism that she revealed in the piece that airs before each contestant sings. She belted out some En Vogue, but it seemed a little forced. She was pushing a voice that doesn't need to be pushed so hard. I think she did great, but compared to the past, I'm not as impressed.

Antonella can rock the violin, who knew? The Corrinne Bailey Rae song finally put her on the map (for something other than controversy). She's made worlds of improvement in her performances, but I still think she just can't cut it when it comes to the competition she's facing. And, we had a breakthrough. This was the first time American Idol has mentioned the scandalous pictures circulating on the Internet. Simon made a brief, but noticeable reference when he said Antonella has handled herself well in the public eye during this media frenzy. I don't know if not addressing it is "handling it well," but if it's getting to her, she's not letting it show and that is an accomplishment for sure.

Haley is a strong enough singer and had a strong enough performance that she's in the clear to make the final 12. She did need some wow factor to really pump it up, but she's definitely still in the running.

Stephanie, just like Haley, is good enough, but lacked compared to other nights. I'm not blown away with her voice like I have been , but no doubt she's got another shot.

LaKisha, I missed, but I can almost guarantee she was amazing. The girl has got a voice and she knows how to use it. There's not much else to say about her vocal power.

Gina finally rocked it out. I felt like she showed more of her style and personality than she has before and it paid off. Plus, how cool would it be to have a major rocker chick for our Idol winner?

And Melinda. She's so good. Really good. She's got that soulful, old school vibe and it is working.

So this is it -- less than 24 hours before we have our final 12. Who's in? Who's out?

The boys are not looking so good. Ryan Seacrest asked Randy, Simon and Paula how many guys they thought should really stay in the competition and across the board it was about four of the eight that are worthy enough. I personally think only three -- Blake and the two Chris guys. I'm pretty much over everyone else, but let's recap as usual.

Blake kicked it off with 311's "All Mixed Up."  I'm still in love with this guy (to my boyfriend's dismay). I think he's fun, energetic and stands out from the rest of the competition. He knows what style works for him and he rocks it out.  Love the band, love the song, love Blake!

Sanjaya is done. He should have been done last week. He tried to channel John Mayer with "Waiting on the World to Change," but he just channeled mediocrity. He's losing personality on stage every week. It's time to go.

Sundance is (per Shelli Lockhart) "this year's Bucky." And I couldn't say it better myself. His Pearl Jam's "Jeremy" was actually okay, but I'm just not really feeling him anymore.

Dear Chris Richardson,

I'm a fan of yours. But you make it hard when you sing some unknown Keith Urban song and you don't really blow me away. How am I supposed to generate support for you in the Rumor Rundown when your performance wasn't up to par? Sigh. I'll still push for you, just don't disappoint again.

Thanks,

Your Gossip Goddess

Jared was okay. One of the judges said it, but he needed some more flair. He's got a major fan base built in at FOX 4. I've got fans sitting all around cheering him and his "soap star good looks" on. Congrats from the FOX 4 family, Jared.

Brandon wanted to "Celebrate" and I could be persuaded to, but I'm not jumping up and down. He really seemed to get into it and I think it was one of his best performances since the show started. He's improving and if he does well in the next week or two, he could really win some fans over.

Don't be mad bloggers, but I still can't stand Phil. I don't know what it is, but I just don't like him. I do love the LeAnn Rimes song he did, "I Need You," but I need him to get kicked off already.

And finally Chris Sligh just "Wants to be Loved" and he is. We're fans even if it was a safe performance.

And tomorrow night, it's on to the girls. Could there be more Antonella drama?  Can she really even sing?  Or will there be more amazing, blow us away performances from the chicks on stage? Who's in your top 12 and who is toast?