The Amazing Race Asia (TARA) Season 3 Contestants

The Amazing Race Asia Season 3 is finally here! And the makers say it's the toughest race ever! The contestants were introduced yesterday, and it's sure to be quite the cast. We have a handful of eccentrics, obsessive compulsive's; as always, the pretty faces; then we have the extremely competitive teams (who I surmise will be Team Korea); and finally, the heiress and the actress, who I'm currently rooting for - Ida Nerina (actress) and Tania Khan (heiress) of Malaysia.

Their chemistry together is just great! They're funny, witty, intelligent, and surprisingly, despite their social status, are not afraid to make an outright fool of themselves (Their answer to the superhero nickname was pretty funny - Ida saying she'll use the power of her big eyes, and Tania saying that she's going to use the power of her smile then laughing like hell after).

What I feel is most interesting about them is that they're totally clueless about this whole race thing. They haven't gone backpacking yet, and are only used to a glamorous way of traveling, complete with Four Season pillows! (the two actually asked TARA if they will be providing those huge thread-count comfy pillows for them). So it will be a laugh to see them adjust to this high-paced 'cowboy' race!

I'm guessing they're going to be like Danny and Oswald of Amazing Race 2, stopping by midway through the race to go shopping in a nearby boutique, or taking a sip of espresso at an outdoor cafe.

Country Night at American Idol and Elliott's new Album

I'm really sorry but I really can't appreciate country music all that much. This is a big reason why I do not like Carrie Underwood's music. Because of this, I was not all too excited about American Idol this week.

I'd have to say I only enjoyed Blake's performance. I think Melinda's performance was way too rodeo for my taste; Lakisha's performance was actually quite solid, I liked how she sang "Jesus Takes the Wheel" more than Carrie in my opinion; Chris Richardson wasn't all too bad; I'm not gonna even start with Sanjaya.

I'm wondering why Ryan Seacrest was strongly defending Sanjaya when Simon gave his honest criticisms. Honestly, Simon isn't biased. He gives opinions to every Idol contestant the same way. It just so happens that Sanjaya's performances give way to more criticisms, that's all.

Back to Blake. I just love everything about him. From his looks to his cool personality to the way he dresses to the tone of his voice to the way he performs. He is an idol in every sense and he has miraculously made me like Country music a little more.

On other Idol news, I listened to Elliott's new album and loved it. Wasn't too hot about "Wait for You", but the rest of the tracks were hot!!! "Movin'" On is at the top of my list!!! Gonna buy his album real soon! You can preview the tracks in the american idol official website.

Sanjaya is getting very Cocky

Sanjaya is now suffering from what season 4 Scott Savol suffered from as well - a large amount of cockiness. The feeling of being invincible tends to get into people's heads. It's the feeling that they can sing as crappy as crap itself and still escape the bottom 3 - the feeling that even Simon Cowell's influential words cannot sway the voters.

This cockiness will be the downfall of Sanjaya. I absolutely felt like his comment about Simon being jealous of his hair, the way he smiles and grins even though the judges are speechless in disgust, shows that he is starting to love the power that he has over his fans. And I think (at least I hope) this will be his demise. Fans absolutely do not love cocky Idols. This, I think (and as I recall), is why Scott Savol got eliminated after he expressed his confidence in making it to the AI finals. And Scott Savol sings way better than Sanjaya.

Sanjaya, please do leave with your faux mohawk and your faux nice guy personality. Please, for the love of all who know what real good singing is.