American Idol Season 7: Some Things That Happened in Charleston Should Have Just Stayed in Charleston
For the first time ever Idol made it to the lovely state of South Carolina and there to meet Simon, Randy and Paula were 10,000 very eager contestants. Would the next American Idol come from the land of the palm trees? Oliver Highman hoped so but would his singing dreams be eluded by a trip to the hospital? His wife who was 37 weeks along went into labor that morning so day 1 of auditions was out for him. Would she have the baby soon and give Oliver enough time to return to the audition room? We all just had to wait and see.
First up to give us a taste of southern talent was the unemployed but always smiling Ray Henderson…better known as Richard (pronounced Rishaaaaard). He apparently is known as the black Clay Aiken. Well, off you go Richard and dang, he did sound like Clay Aiken. Creepy or impressive I am not quite sure but I thoroughly enjoyed him. He was a little bit over the top and Simon wouldn’t have been surprised if he would have done a magic trick but I was positive he could be tamed. Much to my chagrin they did not send him through. Personally I thought it was a mistake. They totally could have worked with him. Besides, he was entertaining. Sometimes I wonder if the judges know something we don’t…
Next up was DeAnna and an “uh oh” slipped out of my mouth as she confessed she was a waitress from Kellie Pickler’s home town. She sang the song “Fancy”; one Kellie had done during the Idol season and fell to her knees in great passion and anger. Okay, I really didn’t like her for various reasons but the judges were kind. Simon liked the passion and the anger but it was a no from him and the other two judges. Then Simon teased her a wee bit about waitressing and oh my goodness, did she not give him the angry eyes after he joked with her.
I’m still secretly smarting that they didn’t send Rishaaaaard through!!
Our next duo to try out was Crystal Oritz and Randy Stark. They had met on an American Idol website. Apparently he worked a message board and gave advice about the audition process and she had so many questions and they just fell in love. Their song was priceless as they sang the wrong words in their duet. He sang about blue eyes and she about brown. No way! Simon said it was complete torture and wondered what kind of advice he gave on the Idol message boards. Randy had to say no and Crystal honestly wondered if she shouldn’t sing at family events anymore and Simon told her no way. She was grateful for his advice and seemed like she was going to give it up. Then the love birds left. At least they had each other and their Idol message boards.
Then there was the brother and sister duo Michelle and Jeffery Lampkin. I loved them immediately with their bow chicka wow wow’s, especially him because he was so full of energy!! Oh they better send them both through. I don’t need another Rishaaaaard. He had a great voice witha unique tone. Jeffery definitely has a shot at making the live show for sure. Simon thought he was better than his sister but he liked them together because they were funny. Paula thought they were very special. Simon and Paula couldn’t split them up so they sent them through. Oh good. Jeffery is now officially on my Top 12 radar!
It was now update time on Oliver Highman and his wife who was in labor. They were from North Carolina so they weren’t familiar with the city or Charleston and he took a wrong turn. She wasn’t excited about possibly having a baby in the car but seem calm, cool, and collected.
Of course what would be an audition city without all the really bad singers doing a rendition of some previous Idol winners song? The lucky former winner whose song got butchered was Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats”. They were all bad, I mean really bad but the lady in the end with the red dress singing her own paraphrase of the song? Priceless I tell ya!
Would Simon, Randy, and Paula find anyone good in South Carolina besides the highly entertaining Jeffery? Thankfully there was Amy Flynn, 16 and captain of her dance team she paraded right in and gave Simon a great abstinence speech complete with “whatev’s”. Wow, she really was 16 and so darling. She chose to sing a Christina Aguilera song. She kind of picked a big song for her voice but Paula really liked her and thought her voice was so pure and innocent and beautiful. Simon thought a lot of people would find her annoying! I guess I could see that but not nearly as annoying as Mikalah Gordon. Now I totally agreed with Simon when he said a lot of people would find her annoying in Season 4. Amy Flynn in my opinion was much more likeable. Simon said yes and Randy thought she had mad potential. Then they told her to go give Ryan the abstinence speech too, a very long speech. Paula loved her and I did too.
The last contestant of the day was London Weidberg. I love that name!!! She was from Charleston and had been singing since she was a little girl. She lost her dad 3 years ago to cancer and had to put her music on hold. Now she was a full-time musician and I’m sure she was looking for her big break. She had a good voice but I kind of wished she sang another song to show her range. They also didn’t love her song selection but liked the tone of her voice. Simon thought it was a good audition but there were thousands like her with a good voice and good looks all over America. They sent her through though and day 1 was done with fifteen contestants making it through to Hollywood. I’m glad London made the cute. Unlike, sniff sniff, Rishaaaaard.
What was Paula wearing on day 2? Usually I’m pretty okay with her grooviness but the long gloves were a bit much for me. So first up was Lindsay Goodman. She was an air force pilot who flew the big C-17’s. She grew up wanting to fly and wanting to sing. She was absolutely darling and so very sweet and pretty. She sang “Black Velvet” and was very nervous. I felt bad for her because you could see the tightness in her mouth as she sang. I didn’t like her vibrato either (but hey, look at Christina Christensen…she made it on the show for Season 1 with all her vibrato) and I felt for her and her nerves. Both Randy and Paula said they liked her voice but Paula was very concerned about her nervousness. Simon thought she was a very good cabaret singer, not quite ready. Oh poor Lindsay. How cool though that she was foxy and a pilot!
Then there was Aretha. Aretha from Buffalo, New York. Her mother came to this country from Jamaica and was amazed by Aretha Franklin’s voice so she declared that the next daughter she had would bear that name and that voice! Well Aretha felt she was as good as Fantasia and all the other Idol’s out there. She chose Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing”. Well, at first I thought she might be good but then she changed keys and was all over the place. Simon didn’t like the funny light blue dress, the belt, or her voice. Aretha thought she was amazing and that she had a beautiful voice. Paula pointed out her pitch wasn’t very good and she changed keys. Paula loved her confidence but Simon told her she just couldn’t sing and she was like yes I can. She just could not believe she did not make it. Maybe it was the dress…or the belt…
But never fear! Next up was Joshua Boson and he was the definition of over the top singing. He chose the big and huge “I’m Telling You”, the song that landed Jennifer Hudson an Oscar. Wow, was he scary. What do you even say to that?? What do the judges even say to that? They couldn’t even look him in the eye after he was done warbling. Of course Joshua was ticked he didn’t make it and went off about how the show was rigged and how he was so great. Simon told him that he was rude and deluded. Well, he told all of America that his talent was too big for American Idol to hold. He was looking to be the next world idol.
Finally we found out about the very nice and very sweet Oliver Highman who became a new daddy on the first day of auditions. At 27 years old he was a proud papa of a new little girl named Emma Grace. They allowed him to audition on day 2 and I really liked his voice and who he was as a person! I loved Oliver Highman!!! Oh, but there was a high note that wasn’t the best but still! I loved him! Simon thought he was corny and old fashioned and not very good. Randy didn’t like the vibrato. Paula thought he had a good voice but it didn’t work in the audition. I really can’t believe they didn’t send him through! He was so sweet and a total gentleman though as he showed off his new baby. Why didn’t they send him through??? Oh come on now. He had a nice voice and he could have worked on his vibrato and stuff. Well, for reasons unknown to me they sent through Kayla from Dallas but not Oliver from North Carolina!!! I will not let them live that down…ever! Maybe it was because I was still stewing about Rishaaaaard.
Next week the judges and Ryan take us to Omaha, Nebraska. My what strange cities and states they have picked for this season of Idol. We’ll see if the land of corn gives us more Jeffery’s or more Joshua’s. Let’s hope for some Jeffery’s. I need me some more Jeffery! Until then I will fondly remember the unemployed but happy Ray Henderson, a.k.a., Rishaaaaard.
© Copyright 2007 Blindigo Magazine | Article written by Niki Tschirgi
American Idol: Texas…Where a Few Stars Shone Bright
So I missed the American Idol premiere, something I have not done since the first season and that was only because I didn’t know it existed back then until like week three or four. But what is a girl to do about that? I was stuck at the Houston airport after flying in from Birmingham and they had “left” our luggage back in Alabama. Who loses their luggage on a straight flight with no connections? So we got home right in time for Christina “Princess Leia” Tolisano’s brilliantly edited spot on the show. What had I missed before her?? Treasure upon treasure of hilariously clothed people is what I had missed! At least I got to see Christina with Princess Leia buns on the side of her head and a groovy got-to-have-it Star Wars belt to boot. As usual Idol delivered their witty editing to perfection as Christina closed the show ranting about how Idol doesn’t pick anyone new just the pretty fake people as they of course showed a diverse group of people of all ages, color, and sizes getting the coveted golden ticket proving her wrong. I couldn’t wait for the next show after that.
So for show number two we found ourselves with Ryan and the judges in Dallas, Texas, home of our beloved Kelly Clarkson. Kelly!!!!!!!! I love Kelly!!!!!!!! Ryan wondered what I wondered. Would there be any new talent from Dallas since six seasons ago. Well, none could hold a candle to my Kelly so we would just have to see. We didn’t have to wait long for some excitement as a woman went into labor and had her baby whom she in her mind appropriately named Idol.
First up to grace our television was the lovely stay-at-home mom Jessica Brown who was a recovering meth addict with two beautiful daughter’s. The song she sang after recovery was “Jesus Take the Wheel” and she had quite a testimony regarding her road back home. It’s extremely difficult to break a meth habit but Jessica really pulled through. She had a great voice and a great back story. They better send her through!! Simon thought she made the song interesting and Randy thought it was pretty good so she got a golden ticket!!! I’m so glad!! I love her!!
Then there was the enthusiastic and joyful Paul Stafford, the baseball park attendant. He was so gangly when he moved but you just had to like him and thek0o/ little fact that he was a member of the national roller coaster enthusiasts. Unfortunately he sang an Elliot Yamin song. Ahhhhhhhh. Why do people sing former successful Idol contestant songs?? Especially if they are bad singers!! Well, he was a nice guy and he really belted it out but he was really bad. Paula thought it was joyful and Simon thought he was such a nice guy but it was big ol’ no!!
Following “enthusiastic and joyful” was Beth Maddocks who sang “Beautiful Disaster” by Kelly Clarkson. That was huge, huge no-no. First of all, you have to have some serious pipes to tackle a Kelly song and of course she did not. It was a DISASTER!! She used to sing at a tofu bar?? Simon couldn’t understand her singing at all or understand that someone paid her to sing at their restaurant. Or that people tipped her. Poor Beth. She got a taste of nasty from Simon.
Next up was Alaina Whitaker who was very good. She had been told she looks like Carrie Underwood. I guess I could see that. She was a lovely blonde with a great voice but different than Carrie’s that was for sure. Simon told her that she wasn’t as good as she thought she was though. Ouch! She needed to work on the breathiness of her voice and when she powers but regardless of the critiques she got a golden ticket so she must have sang something right!
With not even the first day over we were then graced with the confusing Gregory and Mia Tobias. I have no clue what they sang or if either of them had good voices since they sang over each other different words and rhythms. Was it a song from a musical? An opera? America, we will never know. Silence was their answer from the judges after they closed their mouths and then they quietly filed out of the room with no golden ticket.
Next up was Bruce Dickson and his dad supporting him all the way. Bruce had never kissed a girl and was waiting until the day he got married. Around his neck he wore a key necklace and around his dad’s neck was the heart to keep for his future wife. Very impressive! I thought he had a great voice. Come on, send him on!! What?? They didn’t send him through??? What?? Simon doesn’t like the purists!! They must be too, too boring for him.
Then there was the obviously good singers like Pia “ZPia” Easley which ended up being kind of oring to me. She came in and did great. She was the triple threat of model, musician, and background singer…of course she made it! She was very groovy and I did like her a lot but there is something in me that roots for the underdog like Clay Aiken. She’ll make the live show for sure. I think Simon was liking her too by the gleam in his eye. He said he liked her confidence and her style.
Nearing the end of the day was Brandon Green…the guys who saved his fingernails??? That was just sick and wrong. No way we’ll vote him through with that information. But, the man can sing. At least he hadn’t collected fingernails in awhile… He had good rhythm. I liked his sound, he’s cute…he just needed to ditch the nail habit. Simon thought he was forgettable! What? I won’t ever forget him because of his sack of nails he showed Ryan. Well, he got a golden ticket!! Good for Brandon. Now if he, and I can just put the fingernail saving behind him.
Sometimes when I watch Idol I scratch my head and wonder why they send people through who don’t have a chance ever. Is it because Simon’s “big heart” can’t see someone’s dream crushed? Well, we know that can’t be true. Or that Paula just can’t say no? Possibly… Or that Randy is in a funky mood? Yes, that is possible. Such had to be the case with Kayla Dawn “Happy” Hatfield. She was in a bad car accident a few years back and was so positive and full of energy and life at her audition that Simon just had to say yes to her. I thought she sang pretty bad but I liked her as a person. She was I thought, the queen of the growl. Simon wanted to be her for one or two hours a day because she was so happy. Paula said no but Randy sided with Simon because he liked her growl. What the heck? She will unfortunately be eaten alive in Hollywood. Well, at least she could enjoy the moment and that’s what Kayla seems to do which I greatly admire her for.
Then there was the string of bad auditions until the last audition of the day with Katie Maloy. She did a Britney impression which was pretty good and then sang Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” for her song. Simon stopped her to sing something else so he could hear her voice. So, she sang “Unchained Melody” and did very well. She was very natural and likeable. Simon thought she was the best so far. Wow! He had a feeling about her. She was super, super talented in his eyes. Randy wouldn’t go that far but I could see what Simon was feeling.
Hopefully after a good night’s sleep the judges were ready for day two. Unfortunately for them they got Douglas first thing. So, if a contestant confesses that their dad said they hated them after hearing them sing wouldn’t that be a sign of some sorts? Hmmmmm…that is what I was thinking after those words came out of Dougie’s mouth. He straight away asked if he could warm up his voice so he turned his back on the judges and “warmed up”. Then he butchered “Living on a Prayer”. I’m so sorry Bon Jovi. He was by far the worst or at least the weirdest. He ran out of breath and it just wasn’t good at all. Then he wandered around the room warming his voice up some more and then sang another song…and another song. Simon didn’t like his panting, his wandering, his whatever. Douglas was convinced that he could do better. Randy told him that singing wasn’t his thing so Douglas sang some more. The security had to help him out and Simon told them that they were taking him to a “safe” place. Well, that would be the stairwell where he sang some more. Wow if all I’ve got to say about that.
Then there was the pretty Angela Reiley who had a professional model for a husband. She was darling but way, way over the top. I loved her snapping fingers as she sang. Well, she was cute but just not good enough. Randy told her that it was bad karaoke and Simon told her it was amateurish. It was a no to Angela who then cried later to her husband. Well, at least she has a model husband who could kiss all of her tears goodbye!
After Angela was whisked away by her husband in came Kyle Ensley the politician, my absolute favorite so far. He kind of reminded me of Daniel Radcliffe. He was a junior at Oklahoma State University and the editing was priceless. They made him into a total political ad. I love this guy!!! He picked the most perfect song to sing ever with Queen’s “Somebody to Love”. Simon totally liked him and sent him on through. Randy thought he was kind of glee club and fraternity and academic like so Randy said no and then it was all up to Paula. Paula finally said yes after hemming and hawing and Simon told him not to wear a red leather jacket or do his hair like Clay Aiken. On a side note I loved the red leather jacket and the song he sang but that was so five seasons ago. I hope Kyle makes it to the live show.
Then there was the most mellow girl of the day, Tammy Tuzinski. Wait, I thought she was singing “The Power of Love”? That wasn’t the song she sang! She sang “If You Ask Me Too”. Oh Tammy. Well, she was a nice lady. But, she was not even close to good enough. Tammy thought she gave it her best shot. She was nice but awful. She was sweet but so bad.
With Tammy gone even though she gave it her best Colton Swon took his place in front of the judges. He was in a band with his brother and he sang “Boondocks”. I really, really liked his voice. The judges didn’t really agree with me though!! They weren’t nearly as excited as I was. Paula told him to work on his presentation by opening his eyes and look at the judges/audience more. Simon thought it was okay but there were a lot of guys like him singing out there already in bars across America. Randy liked him enough to say yes which left Simon on the fence. Simon finally agreed and Colton was headed to Hollywood. All I could think was that if they sent the growling happy Kayla then surely they had better send Colton!
After another commercial break Ryan told us we were in Texas where the men are men?? What was with all the Dallas “women”? I didn’t expect all the men in dresses in Texas. Maybe Las Vegas or L.A. but Texas? Thank goodness a good ol’ Mississippi farm boy came to Texas by the name of Drew Poppel…. I loved him!!! He will be a total country superstar. He was so humble and sweet and a true southern gentleman!! Randy liked him and Simon hated him pretty much because he sang country. Simon is so biased. He doesn’t get all irked when it’s a woman singing country…just the men. Paula and Randy sent him through to Hollywood. Good! We need a good ol’ country boy this season!! We were seriously lacking any type of country last season.
Next up was Kyle Rennick the “hardcore” rocker. I guess you could say he was “hardcore” except his shirt was signed by a bunch of kids (and he had a poster signed by them too…he must be a teacher or camp counselor) so he didn’t seem that hardcore to me. He had the eyeliner, oh excuse me, the “guy liner” going so that was what made him a rock star I guess. He said he was intense when he peformed so I was interested to see what Kyle would deliver. Yikes. Yikes. Yikes. He chose Kelly Clarkson’s “Never Again”. NO!!!!!!!!!! Don’t sing Kelly!!!!!!! He even had an imaginary microphone in his hand. No way. He was way out of tune and all over the place. Simon thought it was slightly disturbing with his scary eyes, and yes maybe even a little demonic. Randy loved the guyliner phrase. Paula thought he was just scary. Well, it was a no for Kyle. How strange that he was so nice but he looked so scary. At least he tried and the kid’s love him back home.
So since we were in Dallas it was all things…KELLY!!!!!!!!! Of course everyone had to sing and butcher her music and what better song to pick than “Since U Been Gone”. Yeah, it was pretty bad. Simon now hated the song after all the pitiful performances of it.
Then there was Nina Shaw from Burleson, Texas, Kelly’s hometown. She was beautiful, simply beautiful! She could be a superstar with that name too. I liked her voice and her look but I could tell she was nervous. Simon thought she was very old fashioned and cabaret. Paula thought it was a bit pageantry. Then she sang something different (I liked her assertiveness to prove herself), more jazzy and Randy liked that much better. Simon still disagreed though but in the end all three of them said yes to the lovely Nina Shaw.
Finally there was Renaldo Lupez, age 44. An audition that according to Ryan was seven seasons in the making. Oh my goodness. He was a vision in white with a silver bull cape and of all things “mums” on each of his shoulders cascading down his back. You only usually see those during homecoming week down here in Texas! He told Ryan that people have bowed to him. Then Ryan felt bad because no one ever bowed to him. So, Renaldo bowed to Ryan to make him feel better. Paula wanted to know why he had “Simon” on his hat and he said that somewhere on radio, TV, etc. Simon’s name was being spoken. Oh need he say more! Then it was time for him to sing and well, he belted it out that was for sure. He sang his original song about being brother’s forever and Randy had to laugh behind his paper. Then Paula and Randy really got into it singing and dancing with him… Hey, I’m kind of liking this guy and his original song. It was a catchy tune that could have easily been recorded in the 1970’s and been a hit. In fact, I could see it being recorded now!!! They all joined him, Paula sang…danced…man did she get her funk on or what? Randy had some sweet red shoes on to groove with Renaldo. Simon thoroughly enjoyed him and thought he was very entertaining and thought his song would be a hit song too. Then Renaldo said the most insane thing I’ve ever heard on Idol. That Simon was heaven’s chosen because he gave chances to everyone for free. With that we were left with an angelic glow behind Simon’s head and Renaldo with his feathers, fur, white quilted vest and “mums” on his shoulders exiting the audition room. The world was certainly a better place because of Renaldo.
© Copyright 2007 Blindigo Magazine | Article written by Niki Tschirgi
Survivor China: And Then There Was One
It’s hard to believe that the survivors have been playing the game for 30 days already. Where has the time gone? Who were the other players? I recall there was a man named Chicken… So with only nine days left in the game and power player James gone Hae Da Fung was whittled down to the final six. Now it really was anyone’s million to win.
After tribal council Todd was very glad he made it and that James was gone. It was a big victory and gamble for him. If James had played an immunity idol, Todd would now be sitting on the jury. Plus, if James had survived there would have been one serious yelling match back at camp for attempting to oust him. However, the attempt became reality and James was now a member of the jury. Peih-Gee also loved it that she was still in the game. That girl keeps making it from one council to the next
On a side note both my husband and I love how they show the merged tribe and the jury in the opening credits instead of just all the players on Survivor. Nice touch!
The next day there was a big storm at camp and they were all huddled miserably in a cave. Todd had been homesick lately too. He pointed out that he couldn’t trust anybody in the game right now, even his alliances which were Amanda, Courtney, and Denise.
Then it was time for the reward challenge. They would be required to be speedy and communicate as they would be paired up in teams of two, placed on opposite ends of a maze and then blindfolded they had to find their partner and get to the middle. The winner got a boat trip and a feast. So Jeff told Erik that his partner was…HIS MOM!! Oh, I didn’t see that coming. They got paired up with their family!! Erik was paired up with his mom, Amanda with her sister Katrina, Peih-Gee with her dad Lawrence, and Todd with his sister Brandi. Todd was all emotional over his sister. How sweet was that!! Then she told him that his other sister miscarried and he was genuinely shocked. Courtney was with her daddy Graham who was English and so proper and they too were so darling. Finally Denise was with her husband Robert. I love it! Denise asked him if she could have his socks. Courtney’s dad was hilarious too in his suit. He obviously didn’t really want to do the challenge and Courtney kept apologizing to her daddy. That was the best.
Then off they went blindfolded and scrambling. Amanda and Katrina had funky bird calls to each other. What was that all about?!! They all did pretty well but Denise and Robert won the challenge so thus won the reward!!! Denise then got to pick two survivors to go with her and their family members and she got a Sprint phone to receive calls that day from family. Of course Denise had to pick Todd after his bad news and of course she did!! I mean, I totally would have!! Of course some people might think he was pulling a “Johnny Rotten Fairplay” and lying about his sister’s miscarriage but I just don’t think that Todd would do that. That was already done and you don’t repeat strategy like that. Plus, Johnny Rotten blatantly lied left and right, Todd is just sneaky not a low down dirty liar and player like Johnny. His expression when his sister told him was to me of genuine surprise. I believe him!! He deserved time with his sister. Then Denise picked Amanda. Well, that should give the pecking order to Courtney. That was dangerous leaving Courtney to hang with Peih-Gee, and Erik alone. Plus, Peih-Gee picked Denise last reward and Denise didn’t pay her back.
So with that they were off on a boat trip and some good food together. As they climbed into the boat we saw Amanda’s tush blurred again. They are always having to blur Amanda’s backside out of the picture. What kind of bikini bottoms was she wearing out there?? Denise was so excited about her husband coming to China because he was afraid to fly and Amanda after dinner screamed for JOY when she saw the chocolate cake. That is exactly what I would have done. I would have screamed and screamed and screamed. Then Denise got a call from her oldest daughter who cried and cried because she loved her mom so much and missed her. It was all very touching seeing what a fantastic family and life Denise had. She may be just a lunch lady but boy was she rich in family and life in general.
As Denise, Todd, and Amanda enjoyed their chocolate cake back at camp Peih-Gee was mad because she wasn’t picked and then they all doubted Todd’s story about his sister’s miscarriage. Was he pulling a Johnny Fairplay? How funny we all thought about that. Erik was the most kind by saying if it was true his deepest condolences to them but Courtney went off about the miscarriage and said that Todd was going for the Oscar with his performance and that it was so convenient of his sister to lose the baby. Yikes Courtney. I’m sure they will all watch this back on national television and feel like total heels for being so insensitive for what was a REAL loss. Then Denise, Todd, and Amanda arrived back at camp and they noticed that they all brought back melted chocolate in their hands. Oh no they didn’t! Oh no they did not!! They did not just LICK the chocolate off their teammate’s hands. I cannot believe that. I really cannot. Couldn’t you just wait nine more days for chocolate? I can’t even go into the depth of my emotions over the licking of the chocolate off of the hands of people who have been living in filth for 30 days…the power of chocolate.
Later Peih-Gee was still stewing over Denise not picking her. Todd and Amanda were floating in the river with their sisters and he said that there really was a miscarriage. See!! I told you!! I mean come on people. Just because Todd asked in front of everyone doesn’t mean it was strategy. Think about it! You know in those reward challenges that if Todd didn’t win or if he didn’t get picked to go on the reward he had like zero time with his sister so of course as they hug each other he’s going to ask her a few quick questions. In past Survivor seasons sometimes they didn’t even get a hug or a word in edgewise. I didn’t think it was game play at all that he was concerned about his family and asked her right then and there. That might have been his only chance to talk to his sister at all. Todd admitted to Amanda that he was afraid people were going to think he was lying but he wasn’t. Then they strategized and Todd and Amanda felt like they were the best final two. They would vote out Denise and then Courtney because if they went up against Denise she would win the million.
The next day the loved ones had to leave. Denise said goodbye to her hubby who told her that he thought she could win it and I laughed as he told her she smelled soooo bad. It all was so emotional as they said goodbye. After their family had left Todd shared that you had to keep yourself on your toes or you were going to get screwed. You had to always, always play the game. Then Denise talked to Peih-Gee about not picking her for the reward. She talked about feeling vulnerable with her group so she felt she had to pick them and not her. It was hard for Peih-Gee but she appreciated the talk from Denise.
Finally it was time for the immunity challenge. It would be both physical and mental. The survivors would be attached to a rope and then they had to go through a course maneuvering with the rope to the end. Then at the end there was a box with two statements about China. One was true and one was false and both answers had keys. They had to pick the true statement. The true statement had the right key to open the box. They had to get three statements correct to get the three correct keys to open the box and raise a flag to win immunity. I’m sure the challenge took quite awhile. They had to maneuver through the course to get to the statements and then grab the key and maneuver back to try the key in the box. It wasn’t long before they all looked beat. Todd at first had a big lead but Peih-Gee caught up and it was between them. It came down to the last key and statement and Todd picked the wrong one and Peih-Gee picked the right one winning herself immunity again and man did she NEED it big time. It was the second time in a row that she won immunity. Peih-Gee was determined to stay alive and stay alive she did. That meant Erik would probably go home unless Peih-Gee made some type of power play to swing Denise and Courtney over to her and Erik’s side.
Back at camp we found a very emotional Peih-Gee. She couldn’t believe that she had won. She always expected to go home. Every single tribal council she expected to see her name written down. Her winning immunity was probably the proudest moment of her entire life. The game for her was mentally and physically exhausting.
As the survivors strategized we knew that Todd was obviously voting for Erik. To Todd with his alliance it was an obvious vote. Erik then shared with Amanda that he didn’t trust Todd and Erik knew nobody else did either but nobody ever voted for Todd. Peih-Gee then went to work on Denise and told her that she would be in 4th place with Todd, Amanda, and Courtney but with her and Erik she would be in 3rd with a guaranteed shot at a million. Denise felt stuck in a rock and a hard place and really she was. If she voted for Todd it would force a tie between him and Erik and maybe Erik would win and maybe Todd would win. Should she gamble and side with Peih-Gee and Erik? It wasn’t like her vote would send Todd to the jury. Her vote MIGHT send Todd to the jury. Plus, if she stuck with her original alliance and she made it to the top four who was to say that Denise wouldn’t win a challenge and secure herself immunity? There were so many variables for Denise to consider.
At this point in the game nobody was going to want to take Denise to the finals with them. She hadn’t betrayed anyone and she was a hard worker and a super nice lady. All of the strategizing that day was starting to make Todd paranoid. Todd knew Peih-Gee and Erik were trying to sway Denise so later Todd intervened. Oh Todd was so good. He told Denise he knew they would be working on her to sway her but he trusted her. Beautiful manipulation Todd, beautiful! What was Denise going to do? Would Denise swap alliances this late in the game?
At tribal council the jury paraded in and James didn’t look happy. I’m sure the producers tell them to look all ticked. They must! Denise shared that she always felt like she was at the bottom of the barrel. They all showed their cards about strategy and Peih-Gee wasn’t quiet about how instead of four and two (Meaning Todd, Amanda, Courtney, and Denise versus Erik and Peih-Gee) there could be three and three and a shot at one million dollars for Denise. Denise really was the swing vote and would either send Erik packing or make it a tie and maybe send Todd or Erik packing. Frankly, I think that was too big of a gamble. Her vote would force a tie and MAYBE send Todd home? No way. Now if her vote would send Todd home than that was different. So, Denise cast her vote and said it may have been the biggest mistake she made in the game and she sent Erik home.
And then there was one. Peih-Gee now was all that was left of the former Zhan Hu. For now in some ways she possessed the coveted title of “Lone Survivor”. Things would be lonely back at camp and her strategy and game play would be even more important for the remaining six days. Would Peih-Gee win immunity again? She has proven that she can do it both mentally and physically. When backed into a corner her deepest survival skills have come out. I think that Todd and Amanda had better be careful. Peih-Gee the once annoying player who got on people’s nerves has redeemed herself by smart game play, hard work, and persistent strategy. Plus, she has nothing to lose but one million dollars. There are no alliances she has to worry about. There is no being careful around her tribemates. There is no potential backstabbing. All Peih-Gee needs to do is play with reckless abandonment and win immunity and she has a guaranteed spot in the final four. If she can make it into the final three she may and most likely will be the one who will walk away from China with one million dollars.
© Copyright 2007 Blindigo Magazine | Article written by Niki Tschirgi
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