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By Rose Wade

Tonight, seven of the top 24 contestants were revealed.

Room 1 was the one the judges let off the hook first. Ellen did her predictable rambling back and forth, humming and hawing about whether they made it through, to the point that there was no question they had to have made it. There was some serious, noticeable talent in that room anyway, which gave it away from the get-go. Michael Lynch, Katie Stevens, Lily Scott and Thaddeus Johnson are all through to the next elimination.

(Image: Jessica Furney pleads for the judges to reverse their decision and let her move into the top 12 girls. Click here to watch.)

By Rose Wade

Eight-five down, seventy-two to go to get to that magical top 24 contestants.

This episode dives right into the drama that is group night in Hollywood. Mary 'Big Personality' Powers, Alex Lambert, and Margo May collect and call their group the 'Dreamers'. Before they spend any time practicing, they invite 2 other girls to join, which didn't seem like a good idea from the start. The just couldn't seem to get it together as a group, but got plenty of camera time because of it --- or maybe in spite of it. Mary was not only unphased by her group's attempt to squelch her bossy ways, but even the attempts of the American Idol staff didn't deter her from dictating how she thought things should go. Give it a rest, girl; you are there to sing, not change the world.

(Photo: Myabe the biggest disappointment of the evening, Mark Labriola, who had been 'one to watch', forgot the words and heads home after the group auditions. Click here to watch.)

By Rose Wade

Hollywood week begins with new judge, Ellen DeGeneres, trying to put the contestants at ease by telling them she understands what it's like trying to please a big crowd. It was uninspired and didn't seem to help too many of the singers with their nerves. Her banter with Simon about her coming on the show and him leaving was just not Ellen's best comedy, and I'm a fan. Maybe she was just that nervous. Here is hoping she gets more interesting as the auditions continue.

(Photo: Andrew Garcia's acustic rendition of Paula Abdul's 'Straight Up' was one of the highlights of this episode of American Idol. Click here to listen for yourself.)

Exhibitions

Main gallery Febraury 6 - March 20

“Cabin Fervour!”

A Show that depicts seven Cariboo artists’ passion for the Cariboo life, winter and the cabin experience featuring:

Barb Brown, Dianne Clowes, Kathy Crawshay, Neil Pinkett, Patsy Granberg, Sharon Isaaks, Tom Godin

Opening day is February 6 from noon until 4:00pm; you can meet the artists, enjoy the show, and partake of hot chocolate and nibblies.

By Samantha Leigh Kelley

Los Angeles produced an astonishing 11,000 people to audition for American Idol, yet the two day audition period was only fruitful for a measly 22 contestants. This seems to be a growing trend; we are hopeful to see amazing talent, are pretty much let down. Not to mention the disappointment in the guest judges. I can’t wait for Ellen DeGeneres!

Moody pop star Avril Lavigne was the guest judge for day one. She appeared to be allergic to the word ‘yes’ as she was only shown uttering it once. Simon said, “I love the fact that we have the official devil on the show.” That’s bad, coming from his mouth.

(Photo: Guest judge Katy Perry disses friend and fellow judge, Kara DioGuardi, more than once during American Idol's auditions in Los Angeles.  Click on image to view partial YouTube clip from last night's eposide.)

American Idol landed in Orlando … without the judges. Randy, Ryan & Simon flew in late from Miami, after a night out - from the looks of it. Kristian Chenoweth was the guest judge for Orlando hopefuls. Personally, I haven’t heard of her before, but she’s won an Emmy and a Tony Award, plus she’s known as being “the darling of American Broadway”. Sounds like she’s qualified.

(Photo: Jarod Norrell being escorted from American Idol auditions in Orlando, in handcuffs. Click to view YouTube video.)

By Samantha Leigh Kelley

The third round of season nine auditions were held in ‘Chi-town’, Chicago. My expectation bar was set high. After all the ‘windy city’ is famous for being littered with influential musicians; artist such as, Nat “King” Cole, Billy Corgan, Michael Jackson, Eddie Vedder and Chuck Barry. Chicago’s also known for being the most American of big cities, so it would seem that American Idol and Chicago would be a perfect marriage. Yet it was nothing but dysfunctional.

By Samantha Leigh Kelley
Part 1 of American Idol review 2010

Season 9 of American Idol kicked off Tuesday night in Boston. The season premiere began with the unveiling of Paula Abdul’s absence. That’s right! After eight seasons Paula Abdul called it quits last August. But don’t worry; we’ll still have someone to laugh at. Paula’s replacement is non-other than comedian Ellen Degeneres. Ellen will be joining the judging panel in February after the auditions have finished. In the mean-time, Idol’s audience will be blessed with nine celebrity judges.

Another huge change in the works is that Simon Cowell announced this week that he too will be leaving Idol. This is Simon’s final season. He has decided to focus on his next talent search show The X Factor. I definitely have my doubts about the future success of American Idol with Simon Cowell’s departure. Many viewers tune in simply to listen to his sharp tongue and harsh criticisms (I know I do). My prediction is that The X Factor will be the new American Idol. I mean, how could you not miss that unlovable Brit’ packed full with back-handed comments?

By Samantha Leigh Kelley

Quentin Tarantino’s latest film starts off in Nazi occupied France in 1941. He takes us to a modest dairy farm, the home of a family suspected of hiding Jews. Here we meet two of the leading characters; Nazi Colonel Hans Landa (played by actor Christoph Waltz) and Shoshanna Dreyfus (actress Melanie Laurent). The pace of the movie seems to start off slow for a Tarantino film. But, as the suspense builds we start recognizing all of the things Quentin is known and loved for. Witty dialog, western scores, beautiful cinematography, and of course gore that could only be fashioned by the man himself.

Golden Globe® nominations to be announced today

This morning John Krasinski, Diane Kruger and Justin Timberlake will join Hollywood Foreign Press Association President Philip Berk to announce the Nominations for “The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards” at The Beverly Hilton.

Nominations will be announced in 25 categories.