Were you as shocked as I was that when the results of the American Idol Top 10 Motown performances were announced that the blonde with the tattoo on her arm was safe? Her enthusiastic, but lamentable, version of Stevie Wonder's "For Once in My Life" was a "train wreck" according to Randy Jackson (and he's rarely that critical), while Simon Cowell labeled her singing "atrocious." So, yes, I was stunned when she wasn't in the bottom three. By the way, I'm not being insulting by not calling her by her name, I'm just not sure what it is.
This being the results show of Motown Night, the Idols sang a montage of Motown hits against a backdrop of classic Motown stars. Very nice. I also liked the Ford commercial, with the contestants putting together giant puzzle pieces while singing "Take Me Away." They look like they're having a blast.
While it has persevered for almost four decades, Sesame Street's heart and soul is very much a product of the 1970s. There was nothing like it when it first hit the public television airwaves in 1969; while other children's programs took place in mystical and magical lands, Sesame Street took place in a regular inner city neighborhood. Okay, it was an inner city neighborhood where monsters and people lived together, but it's that partial realism which set it apart from other programs, and, perhaps subconsiously, gave kids a sense of community and belonging. 
American Idol is a show that takes virtual unknowns and creates stars. Even a couple of judges (Randy and Simon), and a host named Ryan Seacrest became household names thanks to Idol's success. 
On February 8, TV Land will air a four-episode mini-marathon of Cosby Show episodes dedicated to love and music. "Huxtable Love Songs: The Greatest Hits" will kick off at 9:00pm with episodes featuring Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Lena Horne, and the Count Basie Orchestra. The Valentine's Day special will also repeat on February 14 starting at 6:00pm, which is, you know, actually Valentine's Day. 
Part of the excitement of American Idol is the anticipation over who will or won't be making an upcoming guest-star appearance. Last year, Rod Stewart and Stevie Wonder stopped by, bringing star power and increased legitimacy to the show. Simon Cowell recently told 
Being in the Final 12 means that you
get to perform on the big stage, in front of the big crowd, with the big fancy lights. This is the AI
equivalent of getting to sit at the adult table at Thanksgiving. No more of that kids' table
crap. It's the big show with the bigger band and the souped-up sound system.
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