By Chris McPherson

With week two of sudden deaths on American Idol underway, the top spot is officially open again. It seems like this season is slowly coming into it’s own. The focus has moved from the Nicki and Mariah feud and more about the actual contestants. And it seems like these two divas have decided to officially leave the drama behind.

I must say, it was refreshing to see Ryan Seacrest host the live shows again. His presence was missed this fall while I watched X Factor. Khloe Kardashian really wasn’t doing it for me.

The first round of sudden death-women, started off really slow last Wednesday. It was almost halfway through the show and nothing had captured my attention yet. I even stopped watching. After the first three lackluster performances, I started browsing the net on my laptop with the television playing in the background.

Then Amber Holcomb came out of nowhere and took my breath away with My Funny Valentine. Holcomb belted notes so effortlessly, I hopped out my bed to watch her even closer. And let’s not get started on her vocal runs. They were like hot oil slipping off a pan of sizzling bacon. Her performance was on fire, yet silky smooth as she sang with a smile. She was what I was waiting for and they saved the best for last.

Judges’ Comments: 
Keith: Nice breath control. It could have come off fashioned, but she made it timeless

Nicki: Legs for days pretty little dimples. A+++ Top of the class vocal

Randy: Made the most important [vocal] runs the best.
Mariah: Wanted to smack her (in a good way) Loved her interpretation

Overall, I’m loving the way the show is headed. I must say Mariah often seems nervous when it’s her turn to speak. And sometimes her comments tend to ramble on, but judging in front of a live audience could possibly be just as nerve racking for the judges as it is for the contestants.