idol, actually

Did Kellie ACTUALLY do a little kick, but still stay standing??

Did Ace ACTUALLY point to a scar on his upsettingly pasty chest during the “permanent scar” lyric??

And did I ACTUALLY retch upon seeing this??

Did Paula ACTUALLY ask to hear to story behind his permanent scar …. sometime, hmmm, yummycakes??

Did Ace ACTUALLY say it was a heroic, sports-related scar??

Did Mandisa ACTUALLY sing “Shackles” — a gospel song I LOVE??

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise You, I just wanna praise You
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I’m gonna praise You, I’m gonna praise You

(Can’t be objective here. I know Randy and Simon didn’t like it, but I just love that song. Get the CD by MaryMary. You know, I think I understand WHY Simon said it was indulgent; maybe it was not the right choice for this venue. I do get that. BUT, I think she made a very personal song choice. It went beyond just “liking”; the song had meaning to her. Gotta give her some snaps for that.)

Anyway …..

Did Katherine ACTUALLY look like she belonged on the deck of the Starship Enterprise??

Did Bucky ACTUALLY do ANYTHING??

Did Paris ACTUALLY wear a mini chocolate bundt cake on her head??

(We sell those at The Beanhouse. They’re quite delicious, actually.)

Did Paula ACTUALLY tell her — in front of her parents — that the freakin’ Pussycat Dolls were gonna come a’callin’??

Did Elliott ACTUALLY bring it, babeee?? YAY!!!

And then …. well, it was over. You know that.