That would kind of describe my experience watching the first semifinal performance episode ofAmerican Idols eighth season.

(Performing tonight in the Captains Banquet Hall:American Idols Stephen Fowler!)

over the course of a two-hour telecast, what exactly was I expecting?

American Idol Braddy

Danny gives us all hope?

Is that the kind of insightful critique you want to offer during your first liveIdoltelecast?

Is Rickey Minor a disgruntled Archuleta fan hellbent on wrecking theIdolfranchise till Nigel Lythgoe completes a recount?

And, of course, a color-inside-the-lines reading that could only pale in comparison to the legendary original.

This is a big surprise to you how exactly?

And a pox on that aqua-colored minidress with the weird cutouts over Ann Maries cleavage!

That potato sack managed to make the shows resident hot chick look downright gawky!

And the other bit of good news?

I was imaging the folks atIdolMission Control shouting Abort!

Which three contestants are you predicting will advance to the top 12 on Wednesday night?

How awkward and poorly staged were the Ryan-parent-contestant interviews?

How would you rate Karas first live-show performance?