Northwest Arkansas Wine Opener

If you live in NW Arkansas and you are wondering what to do tonight I have a suggestion for you! The Northwest Arkansas Wine Opener to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is being held this evening at the Doubletree Guest Suites in Bentonville. The event is business casual attire and begins with a VIP Reception at 6:00 pm and the Wine Opener begins at 7:00 pm. Participants can bid on auction items, sample wines and enjoy gourmet cuisine by Crabby's, Mimi's Cafe, Johnny Brusco's Pizza, Table Mesa, Basil's and Happas Hawaiian Grill.

This is a casual and fun evening where participants can Sip Fun Wines at various tasting stations presented by international and domestic wineries. The area's hottest chefs prepare their specialties so that guests can Savor Great Cuisine. Guests that purchase the VIP ticket will be treated to a special tasting of exclusive reserve wines and exquisite food pairings furnished by Ruth's Chris at the VIP Reception.

A Silent Auction is also held during the event. Volunteers gather donations from various businesses throughout the area. I became involved with the Wine Opener a few years ago. A friend of mine has an amazing daughter that is fighting CF. Mackenzie is an inspiration to everyone she meets! This year I have donated the Charlize Wood Necklace from my Stella & Dot business. I will also include the matching Charlize Teardrop Earrings for the winning bidder when they invite a few of their friends over for a private showing of the Stella & Dot collection.

So if you are out and about this evening and would like to contribute to a wonderful cause I hope you will consider stopping by The Wine Opener. If you would like more information about the event you can go HERE. If you would like more information about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation please visit their website or call 1-800-FIGHT-CF

American Idol Top 24: Men's Night

Last night we were a little disappointed with the Top 12 girls, so tonight is the guys night to shine. I don't really remember any of the male contestants that were chosen, so I am looking forward to tonight's show. So without further ado,

THIS is American Idol!

First up tonight is Todrick Hall from Arlington TX. He is a 24 year old writer. Actor. Dancer. You will remember that Todrick is the one that auditioned performing an original song he wrote "Todrick is my name" Tonight he chose the Kelly Clarkson hit "Since you been gone" I'm afraid Todrick may be tomorrow.

Aaron Kelly is 16 years old from Sonestown, PA. He performed Rascal Flatts "Here comes goodbye" and we really liked it. The Judges did not. The disagreement begins early tonight!

Jermaine Sellers is a 27 year old Church Singer from Joliet, IL. He sang "Get here" and parts it of were good, but parts of it were really pitchy. I think he can sing, just maybe wasn't the right song, so I hope he gets another chance.

Tim Urban is 20 years old from Duncanville, TX. He was originally cut during Hollywood week but caught a break and was called back to replace someone. After his performance of "Apologize" I think he should-TO US! Didn't care for this at all.

Joe Munoz from Huntington Park, CA is 20 years old. He performed "You and I" and did a terrific job! I really enjoyed his voice. I did not agree with Simon at all on this one.

Tyler Grady from Nazareth, PA is a 20 year old caught in a 70's time warp. All during Hollywood week he caused quite a stir with his fashion statements and performances. Tonight he stayed true to form with "American Woman" I think he is in trouble.

Lee Dewyse is 23 years old from Chicago, IL. I like the song he sang, but I was "farming" on Farmville and trying to take notes and alas, my multi-tasking caught up with me! So sorry.

John Park was next up. He is the 21 year old from Northbrook, IL that auditioned with Shania Twain as a guest judge and she just loved him. Tonight he sang "God bless the child" and I don't think it worked for him. Bless his heart.

Michael Lynche is the 26 year Personal Trainer from St. Petersburg, Fl whose wife had their first child while he was auditioning. He sang "This Love" by Maroon 5 and the judges weren't crazy about his song choice. I thought he did good and I think his personal story will get him at least one more chance next week.

Alex Lambert is 19 years old from North Richland Hills, TX. That's all I've got. Oops.

Casey James is 27 years old from Fort Worth, TX. Here's the one to beat folks! He performed the Bryan Adams classic "Heaven". And we were! OH.MY.GOODNESS!!! LIKE. A LOT.

Andrew Garcia was the final contestant tonight and bless his heart he had to try to top that performance by our next Idol. Andrew is 24 years old from Moreno Valley, CA. He performed "We're going down" Yeah, I think you are.

Okay that does it for the boys! Who do you like? I would have to say Crystal Bowersox is my favorite girl this week and Casey James is my favorite over all. What are your thoughts?

Let's discuss!!

It's time for Season Nine! Top 24, Girls Night

It's time for some Idol! I don't know about you, but I'm excited about the talent this season! I am also pleasantly surprised by the newest Judge, Ellen. There seems to be a much more relaxed, easy and constructive discussion among the four Judges this year. It's nice to be able to watch the show and listen to their opinions and not do the eye roll every time Paula opened her mouth.

We've enjoyed watching the tryouts and the gruelling Hollywood week drama. Now we are ready to get down to business! It's the Top 24 and the women will perform hits from the Billboard Charts first. According to Simon this is the Girls year! So let's get down to business...

Paige Miles is 24 years old from Naples, FL. She started the night out with It's alright now by Free. I thought she did pretty good considering the first one to go HAS to have a case of nerves.

Ashley Rodriguez is a 22 year old student from Chelsea, MA. She chose Happy by Leona Lewis and I don't think it was the best song choice for her. I think she may be UNhappy on Thursday night.

Janell Wheeler is a 24 year old Wine Sales Rep from Orlando, FL. Janell made another poor song choice by going with What about Love by Heart. How many seasons are we going to have to tell you DON'T choose a song bigger than you!

Lilly Scott from Littleton, CO has seen the most dramatic change in her life since auditioning for AI. She is a 20 year old and has been living out of her car and performing anywhere and everywhere. For her performance tonight she chose Fixin a Hole by The Beatles. I didn't care for it and I didn't like the strange facial expressions she made while she was singing, but the Judges loved it. This won't be the only time we disagree tonight!

Katelyn Epperly from West Des Moines, IA is a 19 year old College Student. She sang the second Beatles song of the night, O Darlin. She did good enough that I want to hear her again next week.

Haeley Vaughn is the baby of the group at 16. She is from Fort Collins, CO and she performed the third Beatles song of the night, I want to Hold your Hand. I'm not sure it was good enough for another chance next week.

Lacey Brown is a 24 year old Event Coordinator from Amarillo, TX. She tried out last year and was cut during Hollywood week. She SANG Landslide by Fleetwood Mac. Her performance was the first one that I really enjoyed of the night and the Judges were not fans. I hope she makes it through.

Michelle Delamar from Miami, Fl is 22 and works in a clothing store among other things. She chose Falling by Alicia Keyes and I thought did a great job.

Didi Benami is a 23 year old Waitress from Knoxville, TN. She has had a very emotional journey - her friend died and she is doing this to honor her memory. She kind of reminds me of Brooke White from a few seasons back (7? with Cook?) I like her and I liked her performance of The Way I am.

Siobhan Magnus was the surprise of the night for me. She is 19 years old, a Glass Blowing Apprentice from Cape Cod, MA. She chose Wicked Game by Chris Isaac and I thought it was FANtastic! Very Good.

Crystal Bowersox is 24 years old, a Musician and a Mom from Ellistan, OH. I noticed her in the audition show, and also during Hollywood week and really liked her. I think she will really do well. Her performance of Hand in My Pocket was just incredible tonight. Did I mention that she played the guitar AND the harmonica? She is definitely talented.

Katie Stevens was the final performance of the evening. She is a 17 year old High School Student from Middlebury CT. She sang Feelin Good by Michael Buble' and I felt like she did very good, but the Judges disagreed with me again on this one. They thought the song was too old for her, that she needed to be 17. I hope she gets another chance!

Over all I thought the night was pretty good, started out a little slow but by the end of the night it was very entertaining. I think that Ashley, Janell and Haeley are probably in the most danger. I would say that Didi and Crystal are my favorites right now, and Siobhan is my dark horse!

Now it's your turn - let's discuss! What are your thoughts on Season 9? Leave me a comment with your Idol thoughts.