Back to reality

So after a week in Vegas, it's back to work and back to "American Idol." I wish I could say I missed it, but this season has dragged on, I'm kind of looking forward to its end. I heard last week was long and dull and the fact that no one was voted off is kind of anti-climactic and I'm glad they're making up for it by letting two go tomorrow. One thing I was upset about - I missed watching Sanjaya leave. After all the hype, all the coverage, I would have liked to see him go, but you can't have it all, I guess.

But I am returning to the coolest mentor... Jon Bon Jovi. I've been looking forward to his week since the beginning of the season. Besides Prince, I think Bon Jovi is one of the sexiest performers out there - I don't care that his hair used to be bigger than mine or his pants tighter. He was hot back in the day and he's hot now. His music has helped shape the memories of my growing up and I will forever be excited to see him on TV or hear him on the radio.

And how cool that David Bryan, the keyboardist also gets to be a part of this. Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora have for so long been the most prominent faces of the band - people tend to forget David Bryan, Tico Torres and Alec John Such, who left the band years ago.

So, let's get on with it. Phil Stacey is going first - he chooses to sing "Blaze of Glory." Bon Jovi says Phil knocked it out of the ball park...says he was very confident, that he knew the song, that it was obvious he had sung the song before. Phil then admits that he's been practicing this song for 15 years - that he usedto sing it in front of the mirror with a comb in his hand.

You know, I had forgotten how likable Phil Stacey is - he's just a real sincere guy who's trying hard to win this competition. I don't think he'll be able to pull it off, but it still leaves me rooting for him to do well.

Have I been gone longer than a week? When did Phil get so great? Could it be just the song or the genre? I don't know - but I'm loving him tonight. Bon Jovi is right - he sounds confident, like he's been singing the song for years. I hope he gets a good reaction from the judges.

Randy tell him that other than country week, this is his best performance ever on the show, that it was the bomb. Paula tells him it was the best show opening all season long. Simon says it was OK - that there was no authenticity and that he doens't think Phil has done enough to last another week.