First, it should noted that it is my understanding that Kenny Rogers is best known now for his chain of chicken restaurants (which I've never frequented). He's also quite well known to many of us in and around LA as the spokesperson for some Casino (Barona Valley I think). He's not the first person then that would come to mind when it comes to a country music legend...even if he has sold 105 million records.
Second, I would like to point out that Kenny Rogers isn't really a country music singer...more like an amalgam of country, muzak, adult contemporary and any other over-the-hill kind of genre that is used to put people to sleep. Yes, he has written some hits for some legendary stars and had a couple of hits that actually have stayed in people's memories (remember Islands in the Stream w/ Dolly Parton) but really, unless you are in your 50s, I've come to the conclusion that it's doubtful you will really remember him.
And third, ask yourself...since you last saw him, has his appearance changed noteably? You noticed too huh?! Well, he use to look a lot like Kenny Rogers...now he looks a lot like my Uncle Jim. It's a good look on both of them. But I was left confused because (as you saw above) I have only a vague recollection of Kenny Rogers and then to hear all this talk about music, country music, but be looking at my Uncle Jim left me feeling uneasy (if you know my Uncle you know he absolutely cannot sing...nor should he).
And so, off American Idol sailed into country night. Let's get real...it started off crappy and never got any better. There were several performances that interested me ever so slightly such as Elliott, Pickler (weird huh?!) and Chris. The rest sucked and based off of their performances last night could just go home. But...thankfully, most people will not be judged off of last night's performances. I think because of their country background, both Pickler and Bucky needed to have really big nights. Pickler sang an old Reba song and I rather liked it, even though I still find her performances rather reminiscent of a bar hag who sings straight time until goosed at which point she slings her hair around and growls a little bit. Bucky, whose voice I really like, bored me to tears last night...then again, so did practically everyone else. Just goes to show that most of these guys weren't cut from the country cloth...then again, neither was I. I know I should have a bottom three and maybe even pick someone to go home. Heck, it could be anyone. One has to wonder though just how many chances Ace has in him. Can he make it through another bottom 3? And what about Elliott...can he stay out of the bottom 3 on musicality alone? What about Mandisa...aren't you just a little bored with her too? And Bucky...country was supposed to be his big shining moment and yet, it seemed dull...was it enough to keep him out of the bottom 3 though? I guess I should have watched a little better...but I didn't...
j.
On a side note...can someone PLEASE communicate to the producers that we've had it with Ryan's little digs at the judges. Ryan is nothing more than the pretty little MC...he shouldn't have an opinion. He is NOT a music judge. He's a pretty face...nothing more! Please shut him the HELL up! Oh...and one has to wonder, what were you thinking signing Paula to another three seasons?! | 
