American Idol Season 11: The Top 12 or is it 11?

Ryan Seacrest kicked off the show by announcing that there would be yet another controversy resulting in a disqualified contestant.

Tonight's mentor was Idol fave Will.i.am.

01 Phillip Phillips sang Hard to Handle by The Black Crowes (1990)-- Randy complimented Phillip's song choice saying it was a good one for him, very bluesy. Jennifer said it was very natural for him, it's like music is in every cell of his body. Steven said I like how you pick songs that match your voice and your character. I personally loved the song choice, and really loved Phillip's performance, just the way he moved on stage and everything about it.
Score: 5

02 Jessica Sanchez sang Turn the Beat Around by Gloria Estefan (1995)-- Steven loves her voice but warned her not to stray too much from ballads which really fit her voice. Jennifer said, good job but it was not my favorite thing for you. Randy said pick something "more" because you are that good. To me, it wasn't as bad as the judges made it out to be. I think the song was too simple considering the voice Jessica has, also her voice is more legato and that didn't work with such a syncopated song. She's a front runner though who isn't in danger of going home (but everyone vote!).
Score: 4

03 Heejun Han sang Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx (1989)-- Randy thought it was pitchy all over the place. Jennifer said I could tell you were struggling but you were fighting through it and I felt your heart, by the end, it was really beautiful. Steven said you were out of breath, but I still love your voice no matter what; you have a special voice. Heejun does indeed have heart, he makes an effort every time he steps on the stage. He made not have been in his best voice tonight, but his voice is forever special and in the grand scheme that means more.
Score: 4

04 Elise Testone sang Let's Stay Together by Al Green (1983)-- Steven loves Elise's voice as does Jen; Randy proclaimed, Elise is back. He commented particularly on the run at the end and said beautiful, it was butter. I felt the intro to the song was rough, I didn't like how she scooped into some of her notes, but as the song went along it got more and more beautiful, and I understand now why the judges saved Elise last week.
Score: 4.75

05 Deandre Brackensick sang Endless Love by Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey (1994)-- None of the judges liked the song choice and they said Jimmy was wrong for steering him to that song. Jennifer said despite that, you sang it so well. I may be a little prejudiced but I have loved Deandre since last year, and his voice is unique because he can sing really low notes and yet he also has that beautiful falsetto.
Score: 4

06 Shannon Magrane sang One Sweet Day by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men (1995)-- Jen was impressed and thought she did a beautiful job; Steven echoed her sentiment. Randy said he loved the runs she did throughout the song and loves her fearlessness at her young age. I didn't love this as much as the judges did, only because this is one of my favorite songs of all time, and her voice faltered in some spots where she shouldn't have. I do think the last third of the song was amazing, and I did like how it ended.
Score: 4.25

07 Colton Dixon sang Broken Heart by White Lion (1991)-- Jen liked the song and said Colton looks pretty when he sings. Steven disagreed and didn't like the song choice, and felt the song didn't go anywhere. Randy said the song choice didn't matter because Colton is in the zone and consistent every week. I'm torn on this because I feel that because I didn't know the song, I wasn't as engaged. I do like Colton, and I appreciate his musical style and his talent, I just wish the song had been different. That being said, he was in good voice tonight.
Score: 4.25

08 Erika Van Pelt sang Heaven by Bryan Adams (1985)-- Steven loves the song, felt it was too busy, but still likes her voice. Jen said the arrangement left us wanting more, but she liked it, and so did Randy. Randy said he gave it an eight out of ten, but didn't like what Jimmy did with the song. I think this was the perfect song for her voice but I have to say I agree with the judges, the arrangement was a bit much. She said have sang it more straight and just let her voice speak for itself.
Score: 4.75

Jermaine was confronted by Nigel and Ken and came clean about exactly what took place. They said they would have to let him go from the show and that they were sorry because they said hearing him in rehearsal that day was the best that they had ever heard him. After listening to him singing Somewhere Out There it made me sad, because he is talented. I hope people don't look at him and think he lied or he screwed the show. Maybe, just maybe, he knew what he did was wrong, and he couldn't reveal it because then he never would have had the Idol experience. Having that experience may have been what he needed to turn his life around and get things moving in the right direction.

09 Skylar Laine sang Love Sneakin' Up on You by Bonnie Raitt (1994)-- Steven praised her voice and said she hasn't sang badly yet. Jen said, I know you think we're being mean, but if we're not honest, we're doing you a disservice. She then went on to say, "you killed it". Randy said the song choice doesn't matter if you sing it well, and called her their resident country rocker. Skylar is my favorite lady of the night so far, she has so much spunk, it's crazy.
Score: 5

10 Joshua Ledet sang When a Man Loves a Woman by Michael Bolton (1992)-- Steven said Joshua, that was so good, God came through your eyes, it was so beautiful. Randy said phenomenal, incredible on every level, crazy good! Jen said, best thing I have ever seen on American Idol ever. Wow! For me, this was a throwback to Motown and the likes of Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks. It was like hearing this song for the first time, and Joshua was slow, took his time, and got it right. Every single note was amazing, and I treasured it, I want to hear this performance again and again.
Score: 5+ (I want to give it more than just a 5)

11 Hollie Cavanagh sang The Power of Love by Celine Dion (1993)-- Jen said, you and Joshua, they saved the best for last, that was beautiful. Steven said, there was a couple of pitchy things, and I don't know where you get your voice, but it's from heaven above. Randy said you blew it out the box, very well done. Hollie is a little powerhouse and this song was a great choice for her. I didn't like how they arranged the song, specifically the words they changed around and took out of the song in order to abbreviate it for the time she was allotted. Unlike last week though, her voice was entirely on point.
Score: 5



Predictions?

The Bachelor Season 16: My Final Thoughts

It seemed inevitable that Ben Flajnik would propose to Courtney. I felt this during many times during the course of the season-- the first time he met her, the way she interacted with the other ladies, when they skinny dipped in Puerto Rico.

The "after the final rose" really annoyed me from the first exchange between Chris and Ben. Ben comes out smiling and acting like everything is just great; act realistic and act according to how things true are. He reveals that he is still in love with Courtney which is surprising because the speculation is that they're broken up. Ben reveals that they broke up for a time when the show was airing because he says things got too tough for them to be together.

Chris addresses the rumors that say Ben has cheated on Courtney, and Ben denies that he ever cheated on Courtney. He says he never has and the photos in the tabloids are photos of him with friends and some are old photos. The audience seems shocked and seems to believe Ben has indeed cheated. I think both of them are so odd that maybe they're a match made in heaven. Chris suggested something quite similar; he must know something after doing the show all these years.

Courtney comes out to a little bit of applause and some boos from the crowd. She feels responsible for the negativity that came from her actions on the show. A lot of the fallout from their relationship took place when the show started to air, Courtney recalls not receiving anything from Ben for Valentine's Day. She says she felt completely abandoned by Ben and as result she has lost trust and feels disappointed in the experience. She says she tried to reach out to Ben and he never got back to her. I actually feel bad for her because Ben mislead her, and he acted like her cheerleader every time we saw him on the show but yet he abandoned her when things started to get rough. If he truly loved her, I feel like he would have stood beside her. Courtney says this is the hardest thing she has been through; I feel like maybe her trying to play out her relationship on television was too hard for her. She is even unsure of the status of their relationship now, which is pretty sad to me, whether you like Courtney or not.

Chris then brings Courtney and Ben together in the third segment and discusses the fact that they both have trust issues. To me, that's not how you want to begin a relationship; Ben, of course, tries to pretend that everything is perfect and that their relationship is great. Wow, he is in denial, big time! Courtney says he should have stood by her and she can't trust him completely again. Ben is adamant that this relationship is going to work but America is basically shaking their heads. Ben apologizes to Courtney in front of everyone saying he should have stuck by her, he should have been there the entire way rather than needing time apart.

Chris plays back the proposal for them to watch; Courtney is clearly emotional, and Ben is a bit emotional too. He says his feelings for her never went away, it's just that everything has been so clouded by all the negativity. Chris had been carrying the ring in his pocket all day, and asks Ben if he can give it back to her, and Ben says he would like her to have it, and that this will end in a wedding after he puts the ring back on her finger. I feel like this is one of the first times Ben has "manned up" all season.

The highlight of this show for me is when Chris brought out Ashley and J.P. who have clearly become a Bachelor super couple along with Trista & Ryan and Molly & Jason. This couple has such amazingly positive energy, and reveals that they are hoping to get married within a year since Ashley has now graduated and has her residency. These are two people who are clearly in love with one another.

American Idol Season 11: The Top 13 Impress with Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston Songs

The theme for tonight's show has the gents tackling Stevie Wonder and the ladies honoring the late great Whitney Houston. Mary J. Blige mentored the contestants this week.



01 Joshua Ledet sang I Wish-- Randy said if you feel the beat, you can do anything. Jennifer said she felt the music and the performance. Steven said you listened to Mary J. and you nailed it, nice going! I love the sound of an artist like Joshua, he allows you to feel what he is singing. He believes it, so you believe it also, and not only that, but he takes me to church every time. I loved him singing this upbeat Stevie song and proving his versatility.
Score: 4.75

02 Elise Testone sang I'm Your Baby Tonight-- Jen said it wasn't your best, there were timing issues, you were a little unsure of yourself. Steven said you have to find the character of the song. Randy said it felt like you were boxing with the song; that just wasn't good. I didn't like it either, and I think Randy did the best job of describing how I felt. It sounded awkward, there was no style to the song, and it sounded flat stylistically. I don't like saying this either because Elise is one of my favorite ladies in the competition.
Score: 3

03 Jermaine Jones sang Knocks Me Off My Feet-- Steven said, that song fit you like an Armani suit; I can't wait to see what you have in store for us. Jen said, I want you to connect more with the song and relax. Randy said, I loved the verses, but didn't love the chorus; the sound of your voice is different enough, and I'm glad we brought you back. I am equally happy Jermaine was brought back, and to all the critics who don't like him or think he could enjoy success, I have two words for you: Barry White! The big guy is gonna be around for a while, every one settle down.
Score: 4.5

04 Erika Van Pelt sang I Believe in You and Me-- Randy said you have an amazing voice and unbelievable tone; you can sing anything. Jennifer praised the way Erika interprets songs combined with the tone and fullness of her voice. Steven said the place reacted exactly how it should have when you hit the chorus, it was great. I felt it was a little shaky initially but once she got into the song it was awesome. I especially loved once she got towards the end of the song, the way she built that song up was genius.
Score: 4.75

05 Colton Dixon sang Lately-- Steven said that was outstanding, Jen said you showed your rock style with that song which is why it was so great. Randy said there were parts of it that were shaky (the soft parts) but when you hit the power points, you were flawless. It was like Steven Tyler singing I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing, you turned it into a rock ballad. I loved this! It was the best of the night so far, stylistically, very much who Colton Dixon is. It reminded me a little bit of David Cook.
Score: 5

06 Shannon Magrane sang I Have Nothing-- Jen said, sweet girl, the thinking got the best of you, you needed to relax into it. I appreciated Shannon's effort, but this song was much too big for her, and her nerves completely got the best of her. Steven said, your nerves got the best of you. Randy said, it wasn't good tonight, it sounded like there was a mistake somewhere up front or with the band.
Score: 3

07 Deandre Brackensick sang Master Blaster-- Steven commented on his unique style; Jen liked it a lot and talked about his swagger on the stage. Randy said you have the perfect rhythm and we didn't want it to stop; job well done. A lot of people talked about how Deandre didn't deserve to be there, and I say to them, listen to him tonight, and tell me he doesn't deserve to be there. I am confident they can't.
Score: 4.75

08 Skylar Laine sang Where Do Broken Hearts Go-- Jen called Skylar the definition of composure and said she gave them the moment of the night. Steven called her performance a thing of beauty and said the way she climbed the song was beautiful. Randy felt it was questionable at the beginning, but she got better as she got into the song and into her comfort zone. Skylar was the biggest surprise for me, she impressed me like no one else. I didn't expect her to step up as much as she did.
Score: 5

09 Heejun Han sang All in Love is Fair-- Jen said I love your voice, I loved it from the first time I saw you, and I love it now. Steven said I love your voice, fantastic, something real special about it. Randy said it wasn't perfect, but it was real good. I agree with the judges, there is something so captivating about Heejun's voice when he is on target. I loved it also, he's safe.
Score: 4.9

10 Hollie Cavanagh sang All the Man that I Need-- Randy said she nailed it, and all the judges echoed his sentiment. I'm a little confused because that did not blow me away by any means. I didn't like how she changed the song so much. I didn't like her runs because to me, that didn't have enough power behind them. I was waiting for her to deliver cause I hear Whitney sing that song, and it touches me so much every time.
Score: 4

11 Jeremy Rosado sang Ribbon in the Sky-- Steven said beautiful song, good song choice, and nice passion. Jen said I love to hear the way you interpret songs and that was beautiful. Randy said it wasn't his best performance and that the song needed more swagger. I kind of agree with Randy, but I also agree with Steven and Jen. The song could have used more swag, but the way Jeremy interpreted that song was so gentle and beautiful and I felt his passion. He does interpret songs in such a beautiful way; it's very sincere. I hope America keeps him in because he does have definite talent.
Score: 4.75

12 Jessica Sanchez sang I Will Always Love You-- The judges gave her a standing ovation. Randy called her legit, called the performance the performance of the night, and said she is one of the most talented singers in the country. Jen called it amazing and said she was speechless. Steven said you may be the one, you just made 40 million people cry. I loved everything about this performance, Jessica Sanchez adds soul to every performance and it enriches the performance. I loved the three notes she hit at the end. I loved when she sang, "but above all this, I wish you love," she spaced it out, her phrasing was impeccable. Can I give more than a 5?
Score: 5+

13 Phillip Phillips sang Superstition-- Steven said you just "are". Jen said you interpreted the song, made it your own, and you killed it. Randy said I think we need you in this competition, I love the indie spirit you bring; you drive your own car in your own lane, and I love it. Phillip is such an original, and I completely get what Steven meant when he said, you just are. I look so forward to every time I get to see him perform something new.
Score: 5

I wanted to say how proud I was of Steven Tyler tonight; he was the only judge who answered Ryan's question at the end of the show, and knew what he was talking about. He said he felt Shannon and Elise were in trouble and Jessica was a standout. I think Jen was wrong when she said the girls were stronger, I actually felt the guys were much stronger. Two girls had the night's weakest performances, and that was Shannon and Elise. So tomorrow, I think one of them is going home and unfortunately, it would be rightfully so.

American Idol Season 11 The Semifinals: The Top 12 Ladies

After watching the ladies last night, I admit that for the first time in a long time, I can say the women are stronger overall than the men.

01 Chelsea Sorrell sang Cowboy Casanova by Carrie Underwood-- Chelsea is one of several female country singers this season and to me, she is probably the weakest. Randy commented on her strong vocals but Jennifer said she felt people didn't get to hear the best of her. Steven urged her to watch her phrasing and timing. Score: 4

02 Erika Van Pelt sang What About Love by Heart-- Steven loved her confidence and the way she hit the high notes. Jennifer said, you're amazing, but claimed that Erika could have pushed a little bit more. Randy came up with the idea of Erika being a singing DJ. I like how Erika owned the performance, she didn't back down at all once she committed to it which was almost immediately. Score: 4.5

03 Jen Hirsh sang One and Only by Adele-- No lie that I loved Jen from her first audition and she was one person I wanted to get all the way through from Hollywood and into The Top Ten, but this was a bit of a letdown for me. Elise Testone closed the show with this same song, and she out-sang Jen. All the judges agreed that Jen is one of the best singers in this competition. Score: 4.25

04 Brielle Von Hugel sang Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding-- Jennifer called Brielle a true performer and proclaimed "amazing"; the other two judges felt similarly. I wasn't sold by a long shot; this was easily the most self indulgent performance of the night. If I may echo Simon from seasons past, how is this song relevant to her life right now? Also, the song started in a key that was much to low for her voice, even if it did eventually get to her sweet spot, it shouldn't have started that uncomfortably. Score: 3

05 Hallie Day sang Feelin' Good by Nina Simone-- Jennifer said, there were some really beautiful moments within that performance. Steven likes her old fashioned voice. Randy asked her what kind of singer she would like to be, and she said she wants to sing everything with "soul". I completely see that, love her sultry voice. Score: 4.75

06 Sklar Laine sang Stay With Me by Faces-- Randy said he loves that song, and commented that they've never had a country rocker on the show before. Jennifer said she had a great performance, and Steven said you were on fire, you were a pistol. Personally, this was one of my favorite performances from both nights. Score: 5

07 Baylie Brown sang Amazed by Lonestar-- Steven and Jen questioned their song choice. Randy said you didn't seize control of the song, good, not great. I agree with Randy, sadly. I love Baylie, but this wasn't good. Score: 4.25

08 Holly Cavanagh sang Reflection by Christina Aguilera-- Steven said it was just beautiful, and Jennifer called her a front runner saying her voice is so strong. The judges all called her once of their favorites. Holly is a little powerhouse but I will be forever wondering where her accent is from. Score: 5

09 Haley Johnson sang Sweet Dreams by The Eurythmics-- I wanted to love that cause I love that song, but that was a mess. Jennifer said it wasn't the best song for her to choose because it's so well known. Randy thought it was a nightmare, and pitchy all over the place. Score: 3

10 Shannon Magrane sang Go Light Your World-- Randy said this girl is hot! Jennifer said she has such passion for a 16 year old. Steven said it started "gospely" and you took it up a notch from there. She has real poise for someone this young, I am officially, wowed. Score: 5

11 Jessica Sanchez sang Love You I Do by Jennifer Hudson-- Randy said she has such swagger, Jennifer said, you're so beyond your years, and Steven said you're timing and pitch is perfect. This was another amazing performance, for me, Jessica is a voice to be reckoned with if she carries on like this. Score: 5

12 Elise Testone sang One and Only by Adele-- I thought this was better than Jen's version and all the judges labeled her as one to watch, and I happen to feel the same; score! Score: 5

American Idol Season 11 The Semifinals: The Top 13 Guys

Fair note to my readers: I've been ill with a stomach virus for the past several days, but I am almost certain that I haven't been hallucinating. All critiques are spot on as they've always been.

From what I saw during auditions and the Hollywood rounds I expected more from this group of guys. The guys fell into one of two categories, they were either so good that they will move right into the next round, or they were so off that they have a 50/50 shot of getting there based on the fact that so many were so mediocre. It hasn't happened in a while, but this may be the year of the lady.

As usual, I will give each contestant a score from one to five, one being the worst, three being 50/50, and five being the best.

01 Reed Grimm sang Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5-- Reed does have talent but his vocals were mediocre. He did a jazzed up version of this song which sounded similar to elevator music. He is musical, but this wasn't the right song for him to do. Score: 3

02 Adam Brock sang Think by Aretha Franklin-- His voice is solid, but many before him have sang this song, and this version didn't blow me away. There were many times during Hollywood week where he moved me more than this. Score: 3

03 Deandre Brackensick sang Reasons by Earth, Wind, and Fire-- His voice may be a little quiet or weak in parts, but it is definitely on pitch. He actually hits a couple of really amazing notes. Jennifer calls his voice perfect. Randy says he's pulling for him. Overall, I liked this performance. Score: 4

04 Colton Dixon sang Decode by Paramore-- Hmmm, this was a little bit of a confusing performance for me. I think Colton is better than what this performance was. Randy acted like we've never had a rocker or alternative rocker perform on American Idol before and we've had several of them over the years: David Cook, James Durbin, Adam Lambert, Bo Bice, Chris Daughtry, Allison Iraheta, just to name a few. To me, he is a relevant artist as Jennifer said, but this was not a great performance. Score: 3

05 Jeremy Rosado sang Gravity by Sara Bareilles-- Steven said he couldn't have picked a better song; I agree. Jennifer said, when you open your mouth, you affect people, and I forget that I'm a judge. The best of the night so far. He should be around going forward. Score 4.25

06 Aaron Marcellus sang Never Can Say Goodbye by The Jackson 5-- Randy said beautiful vocals. Jennifer said, I've always believed in you. Steven called him the whole package. I don't think it was great because I have heard others sing it better, but it was a good performance. Score: 4

07 Chase Likens sang Storm Warning by Hunter Hays-- Chase looks the part and seems like a nice country guy, but the vocals weren't all that special. Jen says he sounded great and has grown a lot in this competition. Maybe he has more talent, but we didn't see it with this performance, it was much too safe. Score: 3

08 Creighton Fraker sang True Colors by Cyndi Lauper-- Jennifer says she doesn't want him to go home, and I don't think he will be. That was one of the stronger performances of the night vocally. I don't think it's the best I have heard him. Steven enjoyed his phrasing throughout the song, and I would agree with that. He puts a unique spin on everything he does. Score: 4

09 Phillip Phillips sang In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins-- Jennifer said, you are one of the most special talents we found this year. Randy said you remind me so much of Dave Matthews. His only criticism was that maybe the melody of the song was changed a little bit too much. Clearly though, Phillip should sail right through, he's a legitimate contender. Score: 4.5

10 Eben Franckewitz sang Set Fire to The Rain by Adele-- I don't think this performance was quite as disastrous as everyone made it out to be. Eben is only 15 years old, and for 15, he was pretty calm, cool, and collected. I give him that 50/50 shot of making it into the top group just like I gave to many of the other guys.
Score: 3

11 Heejun Han sang Angels by Robbie Williams-- Oh dear, this young man is entertaining, but this just did not work. The phrasing was not good at all, the vocals were off tonight, he was brilliant so many times before, but this was bad. Score: 3

12 Joshua Ledet sang You Pulled Me Through by Jennifer Hudson-- Randy loved it. Jennifer says your voice is so talented, your voice is from God. Steven said I love you voice. I agree on all accounts, this was on a different level than everyone else, best performance of the night. I would be both surprised and upset if he didn't make it through to the next round. Score: 5

13 Jermaine Jones sang Dance With My Father Again by Luther Vandross-- Considering that Jermaine has that genuine baritone voice that is often very difficult to manage, he did really well. He made a great song selection that made his voice shine. It was so good that it may even land him in the group of finalists. Score: 4

The Bachelor Season 16: Hometowns and Heartbreak

Lindzi is the first stop on Ben's Hometown Date week; she lives in Ocala, Florida. Ben says he has had a great feeling about Lindzi since the beginning. He syas he saw a serious side to her on this date that he really liked, and Lindzi agrees that vulnerability is important in a relationship and she is thinking about marrying Ben. Lindzi's parents live in the country and are so nice and welcoming. They have a horse carriage race Ben and Lindzi against Lindzi's parents and the father proclaims, "the old people win".

Lindzi's mom and dad got married in city hall where Ben and Lindzi had their first date. Ben talks to Lindzi's mom who says that she believes Lindzi has grown up a lot and is ready for marriage. Harry, Lindzi's dad really connects with Ben and likes him a lot, and hopes his intentions with Lindzi are good. Ben says after the date that Lindzi is humble and grounded. Ben says he thinks he might be falling in love with Lindzi and he wouldn't change anything about their day together.

Kacie B. takes us to Clarksville, Tennessee, and back to high school when she leads the band with her baton twirling. Her high school football field was named after her grandfather, Harold Boguskie; she admired the love that her grandparents shared. Ben says that Kacie has an endearing quality and she puts him at ease and knows who she is. Ben is nervous because Kacie's dad is a federal probation officer and doesn't drink at all.

Ben meets Kacie's mom Martha, dad Denny, and sister Alison. Kacie tells Alison that she feels that Ben is her future husband because she doesn't have to be someone she's not around him. Ben tells Denny that Kacie's ability to communicate is why she has gotten this far. Denny tells Ben that is Kacie is not the one, he hopes she is told soon because he doesn't want her to get hurt. Martha tells Ben that she doesn't agree with living together before being married. Kacie tells her dad she has fallen in love with him and she would want to move to San Francisco and she's frustrated with her dad because he thinks she hasn't thought things through and questioning how she feels. Kacie is worried because she thinks her parents' influence has made questions develop in her relationship.

Fort Worth, Texas is all about Nicki! They start off by going boot and cowboy hat shopping. Nicki feels that going through a divorce has made her stronger, and she feels she would be a better wife. Nicki says she wouldn't be able to meet someone her parents didn't approve of. She says they have been divorced almost her whole life.

Ben meets Nicki's mom Cora, dad Doug, and brother Matt. Cora sees a connection between Nicki and Ben that she didn't see with Nicki's ex husband. Nicki's dad says he is concerned that if things don't work out Nicki is going to be hurt. He says he may have given her hand in marriage too quickly last time. Nicki tells Ben she can see herself with him, and she knows that she's in love with him. Ben says he got great vibes from Nicki's family and he believes she could make him very happy.

Courtney hails from Scottsdale, Arizona. Wow, she actually says she isn't proud of all the things she's done, she feels badly and disappointed in herself for the way she has treated the girls. Ben meets Courtney's mom Sherry, dad Rick, and sister. Sherry says she would be really surprised if Courtney is in love. It's so weird to see Courtney hugging another woman (in this case her sister). Rick tells Ben marriage is life's biggest gamble and there is a 50% chance of winning. What's with this family and winning? Courtney and Sherry have the same mouth, just noticing this. Courtney tells her mom that she is falling for him, and her mom says their personalities seem well suited.

Ben and Courtney leave her parents' house for a picnic. She tells him that she's ready for that chapter in her life. She says Ben is a breath of fresh air for her, and she wants to tell him she loves him in a very special way. She has set up a mock wedding for them. She gives him a notebook so that they can write vows. He says she challenges him, she's funny, she keeps him on his toes, she's confident, sexy, beautiful, and she keeps him thinking. Wow, Ben, let's not go overboard. Ben says he saw a vulnerable side of Courtney as they read their mock vows to each other. She went through with it, and told Ben that she loved him.

Order of the Roses:
Courtney
Lindzi
Nicki

Kacie B. is eliminated, I saw shades of it in her hometown, but I didn't want to believe it.

Ben says he feel brokenhearted and sorry and she tells him she doesn't want him to feel that way. She says she knew there was a chance. She gets into the car and says she thought she knew what he was looking for but she was wrong. She says she doesn't understand why she wasn't good enough and wonders how this happened when she loved him. She cries as the car drives down the road.

Ben announces to the remaining ladies that they are off to Switzerland.

We Will Always Love You Whitney

"There's a lady in heaven making God Himself wonder how He created something so perfect." --- Kevin Costner sharing his thoughts on friend of 20+ years Whitney Houston





Last weekend, I was overcome with emotions when I heard the news that Whitney Houston passed away at the age of 48. Her talent was obvious to the average observer, she had a voice like no one ever had before, and most likely, never will again. Many have tried, mimicked, and been inspired, but none have come close. Those who listened to her sing as a teenager at The New Hope Baptist Church said that Whitney Houston had the voice of an angel, her voice was a gift from God, and I think that's the best way to describe it.

But in addition to that untouchable talent, her voice, Whitney was beautiful, faith filled, inspiring, driven, and her soul was good. She was a daughter, mother, friend, and a legend. It is so difficult to think about that life and that voice, so alive, and yet now they're gone. She's gone.

One could say Whitney's path was destiny; she came from a musical family. Her mom, Cissy Houston was a gospel sessions singer and her cousin Dionne Warwick was also a noted R&B legend. Whitney's voice though was different, and it was one night in a club when record producer Clive Davis heard a 19 year old Whitney Houston sing that her life changed forever. Davis would become a lifelong mentor of Houston's and signed her to a record deal immediately; he would oversee her entire career. Houston says she considered Davis a father figure.



Whitney became a superstar when I was only a toddler but yet, I remember her music so fully, like it's a part of who I am and what I became. When her songs came on the radio, I listened so intently and I sang along because her presence was so real and so comforting that she made it was okay to sing along. Her face, her smile, her complete presence just drew you in, and even if you weren't initially a fan, you were in love with this woman by the end of the performance. Everything about her was inviting and kind.

I've been thinking about all her music over the years, her movies, the people she has influenced, and all the friends and family she had in and out of the business. She was so loved. I Listened to her co-star in The Bodyguard, Kevin Costner, give such a heartfelt speech at her funeral service today, he made so many important points, not just about Whitney about about the life she lived. He talked about how Whitney was continually unsure of her abilities throughout her career, he said it was, "the burden that made her great and the part that caused her to stumble".

He also said,

“Whitney, if you could hear me now, I would tell you, you weren’t just good enough, you were great. You sang the whole damn song without a band. You made the picture what it was. A lot of leading men could’ve played my part … but you, Whitney, I truly believe you were the only one who could’ve played Rachel Marron at that time. You weren’t just pretty, you were as beautiful as a woman could be. And people didn’t just like you Whitney, they loved you.”

He offered advice on behalf of Houston to her daughter and millions of other aspiring singers.



“To you, Bobbi Kristina, and to all those young girls who are dreaming that dream, thinking that maybe they aren’t good enough, I think Whitney would tell you, guard your bodies. And guard the precious miracle of your own life. Then sing your hearts out. ”

He choked up towards the end. “Off you go Whitney, off you go,” he said. “Escorted by an army of angels to your heavenly father. When you sing before him, don’t you worry. You’ll be good enough.”

Essential Whitney Songs:

Whitney Houston
"You Give Good Love" (1985) · "Saving All My Love for You" (1985) · "Thinking About You" (1985) · "How Will I Know" (1986) · "All at Once" (1986) · "Greatest Love of All" (1986)

Whitney
"I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" (1987) · "Didn't We Almost Have It All" (1987) · "So Emotional" (1987) · "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" (1988) · "Love Will Save the Day" (1988) · "I Know Him So Well" (1989)



I'm Your Baby Tonight
"I'm Your Baby Tonight" (1990) · "All the Man That I Need" (1990) · "Miracle" (1991) · "My Name Is Not Susan" (1991) · "I Belong to You" (1991) · "We Didn't Know" (1991)

The Bodyguard
"I Will Always Love You" (1992) · "I'm Every Woman" (1993) · "I Have Nothing" (1993) · "Run to You" (1993) · "Queen of the Night" (1993)

Waiting to Exhale
"Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" (1995) · "Count on Me" (1996) with Cece Winans · "Why Does It Hurt So Bad" (1996)

The Preacher's Wife
"I Believe in You and Me" (1996) · "Step by Step" (1997) · "My Heart Is Calling" (1997)

My Love Is Your Love
"When You Believe" (1998) with Mariah Carey · "Heartbreak Hotel" (1999) with Kelly Price and Faith Evans · "It's Not Right but It's Okay" (1999) · "My Love Is Your Love" (1999) · "I Learned from the Best" (2000)



Whitney: The Greatest Hits
"Could I Have This Kiss Forever" (2000) with Enrique Iglesias · "If I Told You That" (2000) · "Fine" (2000) · "Same Script, Different Cast" (2000)

Just Whitney
"Whatchulookinat" (2002) · "One of Those Days" (2003) · "Try It on My Own" (2003) · "Love That Man" (2003)

One Wish: The Holiday Album
"One Wish (for Christmas)" (2004)

I Look to You
"I Look to You" (2009) · "Million Dollar Bill" (2009)

Don't Forget if you love gospel music the whole soundtrack to The Preacher's Wife is like going to church!

Essential Whitney Movies:



The Bodyguard with Kevin Costner (1992)
Waiting to Exhale with Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon (1995)
The Preacher's Wife with Denzel Washington and Courtney B. Vance (1996)
Cinderella with Brandy in (1997)
Sparkle with Jordin Sparks (2012, will be released in August)


"Yes, Jesus loves me, for the bible tells me so"

Whitney, we will always Love you