On the 19th season of The Amazing Race we have two Olympic snowboarders, two winners of “Survivor”, A father and son team who have sailed around the world, a older farming couple, two Las Vegas showgirls and more.  All are eager to make it through the 12 tasks first in order to win “The Amazing Race.”  On tonight’s show the main task was to memorize a pay phone Confucius proverb and recite it to a monk (not allowed to write it down).  It was amazing how this tasks stumped everyone except Cathy from the team of Bill and Cathy Alden, farmers from Albany Oregon.  Cathy recited it perfectly on the first try - she was amazing! 

The biggest potential road block came when Kaylani Paliotta dropped her passport at a gas station while asking directions to LAX.  But Twitter saved the day.  Ryan Storms (not a contestant) had been at the station at the same time and found her passport after she left.  He described it on Twitter and wrote,”Looks like I have to look her up on Facebook.”  His message was picked up by a fan who was monitoring all Twitter mentions of “The Amazing Race.”  The fan replied and told him to get the passport to LAX.  Ryan saved the day and camera crews shot a clip of him surprising Kaylani with her passport.

Some really far out things happen on Amazing Race to cause upsets and saves for contestants.   I think this one is for the books.  Are you surprised twitter saved the day on Amazing Race?

Georgia Hester

Edna remained safe tonight on Survivor due to the pack she made with Coach.  He recognized her ability to be loyal early on in the game and aligned himself with her.  She recognized his game strength and leadership and saw that a pack with him was smart.  She couldn’t have been more wise.  

Brandon worried that Edna acts too sweet and might be playing them - that just sounded paranoid, but ultimately, he sided with Coach. Albert and Sophia took the opposing side and saw their opportunity to control more of the game if Mikayla remained in their tribe.  The argument that keeping a tribe tight and strong seems to have lead to a division within this tribe.  Bottomline, Coach says he feels Edna is loyal, Albert thinks she is out to play them and Rick is left in the middle.  Brandon calls that a house divided.  

In the end, Mikayla is the sixth person voted out of Survivor South Pacific.  She thinks she left because she is a  strong woman and “You know crazy Brandon.”  Who was more deserving of Redemption Island Mikayla or Edna?

Ellie Fields

Survivor South Pacific is not only a game of physical endurance and striving to play the game until the end, but it’s also a game of surviving your own emotional upheavals and those of the other contestants.  We watched the Upolu Tribe deal with Brandon’s (Hantz) outbursts.  We listened to his weird comments directed to the cameras as he struggled to make sense of his own behavior.  At one point he declared “I struggle everyday, good, evil, good, evil and I really want to be good!”  Coach (Albert Destrade) worried about his outbursts because they cause an “unevenness in the tribe.”  He pointed out that Brandon’s outbursts are different than his uncle, Russell’s (Hantz), but they are outbursts non-the-less.  Sophie Clarke commented about the tension between Brandon and Mikayla Wingle, “In Biblical terms he’d probably call her the whore of Babylon.”  She summed it up further by saying, “Right now he is torn between following his crazy religious beliefs and his devious blood lines.”   

Christine Shields Markoski made clear her resentment that Coach targeted her for what I call an attack comment she directed at him when she first saw him.  It was something about Coach being on the island only temporarily.  I never did understand why she didn’t think she deserved negative treatment from Coach.

When Papa Bear (Mark-Antony Caruso) figured out his tribe was going to eliminate him he scrambled around pretending to find the immunity idol, but sadly he wasn’t very believable.  Elyse Umemoto told other Savaii Tribal members “ When has Papa Bear ever sprinted anywhere?”

John Cochran told cameras that he thinks most people view Redemption Island as a chance to get back into the game but he sees it as just extended failure and more depression.

Do you think Survivor is more a game of emotional survival than physical survival? 

Ellie Fields

im concluded that nothing sells like fear and that will be his strategy this week on “Survivor: South Pacific.”  He said that Ozzie, fellow Savaii member, tipped his hand when he revealed that if he was Coach he would get rid of Albert, one of the stronger players in the Upalu tribe.  Jim connected the dots and decided that if Ozzie was reasoning like that for Coach he would eventually reason that way himself.  It’s fear planting time and that means it’s time to remind Keith about what Ozzie said earlier. Jim thinks it is time to boot Elyse and it takes no time convincing Keith.  Keith is wary of booting Elyse by blindsiding Ozzie and wonders what trouble will come.  Cochran announces “I don’t care if Ozzie thinks we are all against him.  We are all against him.”Tribal council vote is in and Elyse is out.  There wasn’t the solidarity in the vote that was hoped for -Whitney and Keith voted for Dawn.   Elyse was totally surprised and warned that the trust has been lost forever.  I think this was the most entertaining episode of Survivor so far this season.  There was Stacey’s determination to call Coach “Benjamin” which was really silly, there was the pig spitting contest which was gross, There was Brandon crying about being judged as a Hantz and calls it “prejudiced” and Coach praying and finding the immunity idol just as he asked for.  Was blindsiding Ozzie with Elyse’s elimination smart or stupid?  

Ted Hess

Out of the eleven teams racing the world on The Amazing Race, Cathi and Bill Alden , the over 50 couple, started out as my number 1 pick for coming in dead last.  In fact, they only avoided elimination on the first episode because it was a non- elimination round.  So tonight I was sure they would be one of two teams to be eliminated.  Instead they shot from behind all the way to first place for most of the second leg of the race.  In the end, they wound up standing in front of Phil Keoghan in 7th place.  Not bad for the team the snowboarders nicknamed “Ma and Pa.”  They impressed the other teams with their positive energy which will probably get them a ways around the world.  In contrast, the most negative energy is coming from Justin and Jennifer Young the brother and sister team.  They are fighting all the time and that will surely get in the way of winning the million.   

I was shocked that the two “Survivor” winners, Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca, were sent home after making two fatal mistakes.  Early on they seemed very confident in their abilities.  It just goes to show you it’s really hard to tell who will come out ahead.  Cindy Chiang and Ernie Halvorsen said there are so many twists in this race they can’t image what’s next.  In addition to twists are many variables and chances to make stupid mistakes, especially when teams get worn out from racing.  A great example of this was when over half the teams didn’t read the sign on the orphanage’s table and missed the instructions to give all their money to the orphans.  It happened at the very end of the leg and they were worn out.  Phil asked them all to retrace their steps and correct their mistake before checking in for the day.  

In my opinion, there is only one really super team in this season’s race.  That’s Cindy and Ernie and mostly because of Cindy’s success oriented attitude.  She is competitive and Ernie doesn’t get in her way.  He let’s her lead and it is working for them. 

Which team is the frontrunner on Amazing Race? 

Georgia Hester

A whole lot of talent faced the music tonight on the X Factor, New Jersey auditions.  Judges were ready and willing to hand out their verdicts.  Things went well for some and bad for others.  Here’s a rundown of the top four featured contestants that made a positive impact on the judges:

Brian Bradley, only 14 years old, was every bit a comedian/rapper as he got the audience laughing at his witty answers to the judges questions.  He rapped “Stop Looking At My Mom” an original song and got Simon Cowell to tell him he is the most talented young person he has heard in a long time.  Paula Abdul said he’s unique and operates in a place that is fantastic. L.A. Reid thanked him for walking into his life.  

Tora Woloshin, a 21 year old student is a powerhouse that wants to own her own garage someday and build race cars, that is if an entertaining career doesn’t take her in a different direction.  According to the judges she has a good chance of making it.  She sang “I Want You Back” by the Jackson 5.  L.A. told her she was really good and that she turned the place out.  Simon said “It was something about the minute you walked out.”  Nicole Sherzinger said she was a funky, cool cat and that she really digs her.  

Brennin Hunt, referred to as hot by L.A. and the entire audience, is a 26 year old graphic designer living in Nashville, Tennessee.  He wrote an original piece called “How We make It.”  Simon said he would love to work with him and make him into a star and Paula remarked that the tone of his voice struck a chord.  

Jazzlyn Little,16 year old, sang “I’m Going Down” by Mary J. Blige.  L.A. praised her saying she has a super star name and a super star voice.  Paula remarked that the audience loves her and all the judges love her.  Simon teased he saying “I’d like to see what you are like when you’ve got confidence.”  She was the last contestant to audition and Simon let it be known she will be a “world star.”

X Factor: Who ran away with the best audition tonight?

Megan Andrews

Talent started pouring down on the X Factor , Chicago audition stage, last evening.  Fame seekers as well as wonderful hidden nuggets of talent were huddled together. They were under umbrellas trying to keep dry as the hopefuls were processed through. The bad weather should have been on indication that we were in for something good.

The next indicator came when Makenna and Brock took center stage.  They sang “Cold Weather” by The Zak Brown Band.”  L.A. Reid told them ”You just made my day.”  Cheryl Cole noted that the harmonies were spot on and vocals were well controlled.”  Simon Cowell thought Makenna was a vocal sensation.”

Skyelar Anderson drove 9 hours and 30 minutes from Mississippi to sing “Must Be Doing Something Right” by Billy Currington.  The track stopped mid first line and Skyelar impressed the judges by continuing on a cappella.  His looks, his sound and his effort pushed him through to the next round.

J Mark Inman studies philosophy as a grad student in Europe and he stopped by to share his very unique self with the X Factor judges and audience.  Singing Radio Head’s ‘Creep’ got him a standing ovation. Paula Abdul declared “You are other worldly...in a different jurisdiction.  The places we could go together.”  L.A. announced “It sounds so bad but it feels so good.” 

The highlight of the evening came when a 30 year old, burrito slinger, named Josh Krajcik left his ever loving and nervous mom back stage to go before the judges.  He was dressed sloppy in baggy jeans, unkept hair and over sized leather jacket.  With a smirk on his face, Simon asked him what he was going to sing and when Josh replied Etta James’ “At Last” Simon quipped “really, really?”  But after the first 3 notes Simon was smiling.  For this standing O, no one wanted to sit back down. L.A. told him “I know why you’re dressed like that.  You’re not fooling me.  It’s your ‘before’ because your ‘after’ is coming down soon.  Give your slinging burrito job to someone else.”  

14 year old, Drew Ryniewik, from Chino Valley, Arizona, sang her rendition of ‘Baby’ by Justin Beiber.  Nicole Sherzinger shocked her by saying she prefers her version to Justin’s.  Paula called it daring and bold.  Simon said it was original, soulful, believable and that she was very special.  Simon finished by saying it was the easiest ‘yes’ of the night.

Something strange happened when 19 year old deli clerk, Tiah Tolliver came out.  Simon locked in on her like we’ve never seen before.  He was so impressed with her that he fought Nicole and Paula to get her through to the next level.  They objected to her vocals of ‘Impossible’ by Shontelle saying she constantly changed keys.  Simon said it didn’t matter because his gut was all for her. He was impressed by her spirit and energy and that she looked like “a killer, like steel.”   L.A. agreed with Simon.  After Simon told the ladies they weren’t “giving the girl a chance” Nicole relented and gave her the third yes she needed.

X Factor: Which next round finalist has your vote?

Megan Andrews

A lot of people are calling Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries' wedding the "American Royal Wedding." Kris and Kim are reality stars that arranged to have a 'real' but edited version of their wedding televised.  In contrast, William and Kate's royal wedding was a classic "Grace Kelly' elegant but live TV affair. 

Ellie Fields

The Sing Off never seems to disappoint me.  They deliver some really great music from energetic musicians every season.  This season the stage is seeing lots of talent and the groups are impressing the judges and audience.  

First up was The Dartmouth Aires a group founded back in 1946 from the University of Dartmouth.  The came on stage with the best combination of colors, style and sound ,functioning like a unit of very close friends.  The lead singer lead the group through a great rendition of “Higher Ground” by Stevie Wonder.  Shawn Stockman said It was a great rendition with a great front man.  Sara Bareilles thought the marriage of physicality and breath control was spot on.  The group was spot on and will move on in the competition.

Pentaonix from Arlington, Texas sang Katie Perry’s “E.T.” decked out in black and pink.  Sara told them that they each had a moment to shine on stage which they did in style.  She saw the dimension in them all.  They were given the go ahead to continue for another week.

Messiah’s Men are a group from Minnesota that are all about gospel and afrocentric soul music.  They are comprised of refugees from Liberia’s civil war.  They started singing to create a center for joy in the mist of their struggle.  One of the “Men” said “Singing is like setting a caged bird free.”  They made us feel that feeling of freedom as they sang “People Get Ready.”  Ben Folds told them they had a big sound that was interesting with a refreshing groove.  Shawn praised their storytelling voices and Sara reassured them that we all felt their emotional connection.  Unfortunately, they won’t be moving on.

Sonos is a group that likes to take a song and turn it on it’s ear.  They sang “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak and Shawn thought it was an ambitious song but “overall pretty good.”  Sara loved the arrangement saying it was sexy with kick ass beat boxing.
Ben thought they were dead on but asked them to come out a little more confident next time.  There will be a next time for them.

The Collective is a group comprised of solo singers out of Nashville Tennessee.  They decided to collect their efforts in one group which is working out very well for them.  The judges were impressed.  Ben liked their solid sound and that Ruby Amanfu owned the lead.  Sara said their blend was solid gold and Shawn though their voices were thick and rich.
They got the OK to move ahead.

Soul’d Out is a high school group from Wilsonville, Oregon and they sang “Let The Sun Shine In” from the Broadway classic “Hair.”  Shawn told them they held their own and that they captured the feel and essence of the song.  Sara declared they showed a lot of maturity and Ben thought the first half was much better than the second half.  He said they didn’t drive it home and it blew up in the end.  Not good news for these kids.

North Shore hails from Boston Mass. and this group has lots of group experience (30 years) singing back up for the Temptations and Frankie Valle and on the street corners of Boston. The performed “Runaround Sue” with infectious enthusiasm.  Sara told them she was in love with them all and Ben thought they were relaxed and hung on to the groove all the way through.  They were given a pass to the next round.

The Deltones are from the University of Delaware.  They chose “Feels Like Home” by Randy Newman.  Sara thought the arrangement was beautiful and Ben said they had a slow build that was very artful.  Shawn liked their sincerity and praised the leads beautiful voice.  In the end he said “You (the group) have lots of potential” They will come back for another go around.

The two exiting group sang their swan songs with style and flare.  Messiah’s Men sang “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” and Soul’d Out sang “Mama I’m Coming Home” as their farewell.

Do you agree with the eliminations?

Tera Simons

 Over the last few weeks I've noticed that the two tribes on 'Survivor South Pacific' consist of some members that mirror each other in personality disorders and others that contrast from each other.  On this week's episode, Savaii member, Jim seemed paranoid about Elyse and Ozzy developing a close relationship.  He was afraid their bond would mess up his plans of voting the women off when they get down to their alliance of five.  At Upolu, Jim's much more extreme paranoid mirror image, Brandon needs to lighten up.  He's busy apologizing to as many people as he can for the problems he created as a result of his paranoia .  Mikayla, an Upolu, was astute in pointing out that Brandon's problems would be solved if he would just think before he spoke- she's a smart common sense type.  In contrast, Dawn,a Savaii, was just starting to wonder if some of the people in Savaii might be in an alliance.  Edna, from Upolu, is the nervous one in that tribe and Cochran from Savaii takes that role on for them.  We are more alike than we want to be sometimes, and at the same time we are all different.  If you could choose, which tribe would you want to be in?

Ellie Fields