Big week for reality television as American Idol narrows them down, Big Brother finishes up, and a new show start.
First up, American Idol whittled the contestants down to five as Irish beauty Carly Smithson was eliminated this week. There had been a bit of controversy over Carly as she had previously had a recording contract but managed to sell less than 500 copies and was dropped. She had good weeks and bad week on Idol this year, but this week was her final as she was the bottom vote getter over Syesha (who had an amazing performance – how did she end up in the bottom?). Of the original 24, the only Idols left now are 17 year old David Archuleta (who I don’t see going home any time soon), dreadlock wearing Jason Castro (I think this week may be his final week unless he does something astonishing), rocker David Cooke, Brooke White (who managed to survive last week despite forgetting the first and having to start over – an Idol first!), and Syesha Mercado (who really would be great on Broadway I think).
Big Brother finished up its 9th season. This year, there was a twist – house guests had to perform with another “soul mate” who they had never met. Well, at least most of them hadn’t met. The two remaining house guests, Adam and Ryan (who was in the house with his real life girlfriend Jenn), had to explain to the jury of 7 ousted house guests why they deserved the $500,000 grand prize. I figured Adam had it wrapped up. He has a good gift for gab and can put a spin on things so that you aren’t really sure what is happening. Every member of the jury voted for him except one (Josh). Some good came from this – while Ryan went home with $50,000, Adam pledged $100,000 of his half million to an autism charity.
A new shows kicked off this week – Celebracadabra on VH1. This new reality show features B list actors and singers (comedian ANT, Kimberly Wyatt from the Pussycat Dolls, comedian Hal Sparks, singer Carnie Wilson, 80s movie star C. Thomas Howell, Kid N’ Play’s Chris “Kid” Reid, and actress Lisa Ann Walter). Each contestant is teamed up with a magician and must be judged by a panel of three as to their magic skills. The winner gets to take home $100,000 but from the sounds of this one, VH1 should be paying the viewers something to watch it.