I'm now an "American Idol" addict...

I've casually watched 'American Idol" here and there this season but didn't go out of my way for it. But Tuesday night, I became a Season 6 addict. Had a nice dinner with my friend Ted at Mani's Bakery and was preparing to head out to West Hollywood to attend Bravo's kickoff party for the new season of "Workout." Had the TV on and thought, I'll just watch a few songs. Two hours later, I had seen every performance and was on the phone with a friend predicting who would be eliminated. So last night, I made sure I had no plans and watched the results show with more nervous anticipation than I should admit. I never in a million years thought it would be Stephanie Edwards,who is a terrific talent with great presence, going home.
Anyway, what's fun about being an addict is talking about it with everyone. My sister and I were gabbing as I drove to work this morning about how horrible Simon was to Lakisha Jones who we both thought was absolutely terrific singing "Diamonds are Forever." We were really steamed. "He just went too far!" my sister huffed. My little 8-year-old neice, home from school with a sore throat, says in the background: "Simon just says things the wrong way."

I get to work and talk to three different people about the results and we are completely into it, talking about Sanjaya's comeback, the little girl who kept crying in the audience (didn't she look like Marcia Brady during the first season of "The Brady Bunch"?) and about how surprising it was to have Chris Richardson (not to mention Stephanie!) in the bottom two last night.
So my favorites? I think it will come down to the brilliant Melinda Doolittle (I would buy a CD of hers anytime) and the very appealing and talented Blake Lewis who really has star quality. But I think Lakisha will be in the top three and should be. She is the bomb.
And who's next in line for elimination? I think Sanjaya is safe for another week or two (he does have a certain appeal) and am betting that Phil Stacey, who completely leaves me cold, will be the next to say goodbye and that Haley Scarnato will not be far behind.
Whatever happens, I'll be watching!
God help me.