American Idol--Rock & Roll HOF Week & A Drive With Dad

Tonight, the Idol contestants belted some iconic Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame tunes. How did they do? Overall, I thought it was a strong night for them.

My top picks of the night:

* Scotty, singing That's Alright, Mama, by Elvis. Honestly, this kid brought it tonight. Little country boy can sing Elvis! I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Scotty will be huge in Nashville. I have no doubt someone is just waiting to sign him up.

* Casey, singing Have You Ever Seen the Rain?, by Creedence Clearwater Revival. One of my favorites of the night. Playing the stand-up bass, Casey delivered a smooth, relaxing rendition of this classic song.

* Pia, singing River Deep, Mountain High, by Tina Turner. Pia finally turned up the tempo, and it worked. Vocally, she was strong, but she didn't appear as comfortable singing up-tempo as she does performing a ballad. Still, she has the complete package.

* James, singing While My Guitar Gently Weeps, by The Beatles. While I missed seeing him rock it out, especially during Rock & Roll week, James really tugged on the heartstrings tonight. His emotional connection to the song came through in his performance. 

Who were your favorites tonight? Who do you think may be going home?

A Drive With Dad

Not long ago, I went with my Dad to pick up some food for a BBQ he and mom were having that weekend. On the way back, he picked up some tacos at Taco Bell.

Me, watching as he flew by the main entrance to their neighborhood: "Um, Dad, why didn't you pull into the neighborhood?"

Dad: "I go in the back entrance now."

Me: "Why?"

Dad, in a slight Texas drawl: "So I don't have to wave and say 'hi' to neighbors."

Me, mouth dropped: "Dad! That's awful!"

Dad, major Texas drawl coming out: "Well, hell, I wanna eat my food while it's hot, and if I go through the front, I have to smile, wave, and maybe stop and talk. They're nice and all, but when I'm hungry, being nice back takes effort. I want my gosh darn food!"

Me, laughing: "You know, one of these days you are going to have to smile and wave to someone walking along the back entrance."

Dad, smirking: "Never happens."

He's actually really laid back and personable...just not when hot food awaits him.