G'day everyone, it's been a long time between drinks but I'm back - kind of.

As you no doubt would have noticed, if you've been a regular visitor here in recent months (for whatever reason), I haven't really been keeping my journal up to date.  Put it down to just being a bit too busy, or just too lazy - I'll let you decide.

And to be honest, I won't be updating much, if at all actually, over the Summer (here in Australia).

I still have a desire to write about things I'm passionate about - such as football (AFL), not to mention TV shows such as Australian Idol (I still can't believe Casey won Australian Idol - Anthony was dudded big time!)... so I have a feeling that I will try and "rejuvenate" my journal next year - probably around the time the footy season kicks off again (February/March).

It's time for an official break for me.

Until I return, check out some of the excellent blogs I've linked to over on the left on this page.  There are some absolutely brilliant writers there so you'll find plenty of reading material to keep yourself busy!

And if you're too distraught that I've taking this so-called "leave of absence", you always have my basketball teams website (the Hulkamaniacs) to fall back onto - so check out that site here.

2004 has been a great year - I actually surprised myself by keeping my webjournal up to date for as long as I did - and I'm sure if my desire to write returns, I'll be back better than ever in 2005 (or if not, I'll just quit).

Have a great Christmas everyone, and a safe and enjoyable New Year!

After last week's excellent "80's" show, I have to be honest and say that Sunday night's "Motown" show was very, very ordinary.  I thought the competition was meant to get better and better as each week went on, not the opposite!

Remember last year - when Guy, Shannon, Cosima and Paulini lifted each other to absolutely amazing performances?  We're not really seeing that this year, are we?

This years performances, with maybe the one exception (Anthony) have been very up and down, even at this late stage of the competition.  This is why I think Anthony HAS to win - he's the only contestant belting out good performances each week.

Check out the official recap of last night's (as well as Sunday night's) show here.  And for the best unofficial Australian Idol website on the internet, check out the Australian Idol blog.

Here's my weekly recap and grading of the night's performances:

Scale:  (Best)  (Worst)

1. Anthony  - In my view, the performance of the night without doubt - even though Casey was awarded a touchdown from Mark Holden and Anthony wasn't.  I enjoyed the song, and I really enjoyed his overall performance, especially the spectacular note he hit and held in the middle of the performance.  Anthony continues to deliver great performances and song choice, and is rightly the favourite the win the competition at the moment.

Anthony's progress -

2. Casey  - I must say, I couldn't really get into Casey's performance at all.  I don't think there are any doubts left over her voice - we all know it's sensational, and she's learning to move more on the stage so that's also a good aspect of her development.  But maybe it was because I didn't really know the song too well, but I just didn;t "feel it".  Having said that, I'm sure the praise from the judges was very warranted, as Casey continues to strengthen as a chance to challenge Anthony for the Australian Idol crown.

Casey's progress-

3. Courtney  - Yeah, overall not a bad performance from Courtney, though the judges weren't as quick to provide too much priase to the West Australian.  I had heard the song before, vaguely, but like Casey's performance I didn't really find myself getting into it, as I was slightly with Anthony's performance.  I think Courtney felt his effort was better than what the judges made out, but the Australia public agreed with the judges, resulting in a bottom 2 place.  I'm sure he'll bounce back strong next week! 

Courtney's progress-

4. Hayley  - Interesting song choice - singing "Mountain high, River low", but did a pretty good job of it overall I'd have to say.  I have a feeling the same song was sang last season on Australian Idol, can anyone remember?  Maybe Cosima?  Anyway, Hayley sang it quite well, but the performance never really took off in my view.  It was good, without being great - but she obviously has the support behind her now given she has reached the final 4! Woohoo!  Go Hayley!

Hayley's progress-

5. Chanel  - I had certainly never heard this song, but I did think it was rather catchy - but according to the judges reactions - clearly, not what they were looking for at this stage of the Idol competition.  And sadly for Chanel, this resulted in her elimination from the competition - justifying my doubts about her being the Idol dating way back to several weeks ago.  Even though she was and will be a great performer, Idol possibly wasn't the ideal launching pad for her, other than the obvious great exposure she has received by making it so far!  But I do wish Chanel all the best for her future endeavours!

Chanel's progress-

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Updated Australian Idol rankings, based on my rating of each performance each week...

** Eliminated idols do not feature in the following rankings **

(Best) 6  5  4  3  2  1 (Worst)

So based on these ranking outlined above, here are my current standings:

1. Anthony - 46 points

Still leading the way, and favourite according to my rankings to be the next Australian Idol.

2. Courtney - 37 points

Has been rather inconsistent of late, but survived elimination on Monday night thanks to Chanel's departure.

3. Hayley - 36 points

Surprising everyone by still being alive in the competition, but remains my favourite of my 4 remaining finalists and I'd love to see her reach the final 2.

4. Casey - 32 points

On the way back following that disasterous Beatles show performance, and with her strong voice, could be a dark horse to take out the competition.

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Don't forget another great Australian Idol site, Australian Idol blog.

Thoughts?

Those who witnessed the latest edition of Australian Idol, would be happy with what they saw.  That is, all six performances were pretty good, or at least a marked improvement on last week's "Beatles" show, which saw the end of the much loved Ricki-Lee.

Sunday night was Australian Idol's latest performance show, based around songs from the 80's.  As I mentioned, it was a great show, with each of the remaining 6 contestants staking their claims to be our next Aussie Idol, and showing the nation what they're capable of!

Check out the official recap of last night's (as well as Sunday night's) show here.  And for the best unofficial Australian Idol website on the internet, check out the Australian Idol blog.

Here's my weekly recap and grading of the night's performances:

Scale:  (Best)  (Worst)

1. Anthony  - Best performance of the night, once again.  Similarly to his performance of 'The Prayer' a few weeks ago, he built this song up beautifully and went for it towards the latter stages of the performance.  The crowd loved it, and I can't help but think they deliberately place Anthony last to cap off the show with a bang.  Can't say a lot more, a great performance from Anthony!  (progress- )

2. Casey  - After last weeks shocker of a performance (even Casey herself would admit that), this was a brilliant way to bounce back into Idol contention.  She chose the perfect song if you ask me, and went back to the Casey we grew to love throughout the earlier stages of the competition.  Not far off a touchdown from Mark Holden, and if you ask me, it was almost equal to Anthony's performance!  Well done Casey, I hope to see more performances of this quality in the coming weeks.  (progress- )

3. Marty  - Who would have thought?  I've ranked Marty pretty high this week, because not only do I love the song he chose (and the movie it was from - Back to the Future), he really put his best foot forward with this performance.  In fact, it would have to be Marty's best performance of the entire competition so far - without doubt.  And I guess that sums it up, because even Marty's best was just enough for a top 3 placing - goes to show the quality of the final 6 performers. (progress- )

4. Courtney  - I didn't know the song very well, but it was still a rock solid performance from Courtney.  Not enough to be top 3, but I'm sure had I known the song a bit better I could have easily placed him a lot higher in the rankings this week.  Couldn't fault his performance though - great voice, great use of the stage and just overall a good show.  I look forward to seeing a bit more of Courtney over the coming weeks - he's sure to go a long way. (progress- )

5. Hayley  - My favourite of the remaining 6 contestants, and whilst the performance was a good one, it never really "took off"... Hayley started strong, and had the crowd going early in her performance, but never really raised the rood after that point.  Vocally, you can't fault her - which is why I like her so much, not to mention her great attitude and appearance - she should be suited to next week's R&B/Soul performance show - and I can't wait!  (progress- )

6. Chanel  - A lot of people have said to me that Chanel was brilliant on Sunday night, if not vocally then at least what she was able to communicate through movement and just general body language.  Whilst it wasn't her best from a vocal standpoint, she seems to have the judges (well, Mark and Dicko) under a spell.  Don't get me wrong - I do like her, but as I think I've said before, I'm not sure she fits the mould of an Aussie Idol.  The public love her, so it should be interesting to see how far she goes!  (progress- )

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Updated Australian Idol rankings, based on my rating of each performance each week...

** Eliminated idols do not feature in the following rankings **

(Best) 6  5  4  3  2  1 (Worst)

So based on these ranking outlined above, here are my current standings:

1. Anthony - 40 points

Back to his best, with a brilliant performance on Sunday night and again is yet to feature in the bottom 3 on a Monday night.  A sure sign that the public like him - a deserving hot favourite at the moment.

2. Courtney - 33 points

Hasn't really disappointed at all throughout the competition - even his performance on Beatles night was good and from what he said - he stuffed it up!  I'm predicting a top 2 finish for Courtney, along with Anthony.

3. Hayley - 32 points

Seems to be gaining support by the week, and on votes alone was in the top 4 this week.  It has been an amazing effort by Hayley to advance into the final 5 - a result I'm sure she might not have anticipated 5-7 weeks ago.

4. Casey - 28 points

I love this girl's voice, and her performance of "The Flame" had me tingling.  I get a feeling that when she's "on", she can do anything (see her performance of "Symphony of Life" earlier in the show - outstanding).  If Casey can build her confidence up, and come out of herself, she could be anything and I mean anything!

5. Chanel - 26 points

Improving, and I'm warming to her as each week goes by.  I can't see her as our next Australian Idol, yet, but who knows - she may be exactly what Australia needs - something different and slightly left of centre.  Will be interesting to watch as the weeks progress.

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Don't forget another great Australian Idol site, Australian Idol blog.

Thoughts?

For those that might have missed it, Sunday night was Australian Idol's latest performance show, based around hits by the Beatles.  And I think the show only emphasized further how good it would be if the contestants were able to choose their own songs, rather than being forced to choose songs by an artist (albeit a famous one) that they have rarely heard.

And overall, you'd have to say that the show was a shocker - from a performance point of view!

Check out the official recap of last night's (as well as Sunday night's) show here.  And for the best unofficial Australian Idol website on the internet, check out the Australian Idol blog.

Here's my weekly recap and grading of the night's performances:

Scale:  (Best)  (Worst)

1. Hayley  - What a wonderful performance! Unlike many of the other Idols, she didn't choose to play around with the song ("Yesterday") at all, and instead chose to stick to it's original melody.  Great move Hayley!  Definitely one of her best performances, and the best of the night in my opinion.  (progress- )

2. Courtney  - Courtney had a slightly off week last week, and needed to bounce back strongly this week - and he did.  Not a "stand-out" performance, but it was certainly strong enough to ensure he's back next week and hopefully on the comeback trail. (progress- )

3. Anthony  - This performance was slammed by Dicko, and whilst I didn't love every second if it, it wasn't as bad as was made out.  It was still pretty strong, and vocally - Anthony probably is easily as good as any of the remaining 6 or 7 contestants. Without doubt it was a step backward from last weeks "grand royale touchdown" but he's still very much in the hunt!  (progress- )

4. Chanel  - Was the first performer of the night and got things started off extremely well, as I thought it was her best performance of the top 12 stage.  I don't think there are any doubts over her voice or even her performances, the question is whether she is too different to be the Australian Idol.  After such a performance, it must be disheartening for her that she was in the bottom 2 last night.  (progress- )

5. Ricki-Lee  - Her worst performance of the top 12 stage, and boy - didn't it cost her in the end, being shockingly eliminated in last night's verdict show.  There's no doubt that the wrong person left the show last night, but I guess that's in the past now - and the 6 left have a chance to prove themselves all over again.  I do feel sorry for Ricki-Lee though, she couldn't have expected to be leaving last night. (progress- )

6. Marty  - I have a few friends that think Marty is the real deal, but I just haven't been convinced of that yet. Since his Top 30 performance, he really hasn't "shone" or even stood out in any performance show yet.  He still has a chance to do so, of course - but I can't see it happening. Having said that, his performance in the Beatles show wasn't bad at all I must say, but has he got the depth (or the voice) to be the Australian Idol? (progress- )

7. Casey  - What can I say about Casey?  I was shocked - she has a brilliant voice, and has shown that to us on more than a couple of occasions throughout the top 12 stage.  But this performance was an absolute shocker - not only for forgetting the words, but she was just completely drowned out by the band. Has a lot of potential, and was lucky to avoid elimination last night, so I just hope she makes the most of this opportunity! (progress- )

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Updated Australian Idol rankings, based on my rating of each performance each week...

** Eliminated idols do not feature in the following rankings **

(Best) 6  5  4  3  2  1 (Worst)

So based on these ranking outlined above, here are my current standings:

1. Anthony - 34 points

Not his absolute best performance, and blasted by Dicko for a "cabaret" performance, but still well out in front in my own Idol rankings.

2. Courtney - 28 points

Better performance than last week, and on the way back hopefully!

Hayley - 28 points

Arguably the best performance of the night - a very simple performance, but that's all that was needed to see her avoid being a part of the bottom 3.

4. Casey - 22 points

Ouch, not a good performance at all.  I'm hopeful she can find her voice and confidence again in the coming weeks.

Chanel - 22 points

A nice performance by Chanel indeed, though she was still surprisingly in the bottom 2.  Sticking to what she knows best, which will be good for her as the weeks go on.

6. Marty - 11 points

Anyone would think I don't really like the guy - but I do!  His performances just don't "grab" me like some of the others do - I can't explain it.  He's still alive in the competition so he still has time to prove me wrong!

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Don't forget another great Australian Idol site, Australian Idol blog.

Any thoughts on the above anyone?

Sunday night was Australian Idol's latest performance show, this time allowing the contestants to choose and perform whatever song they wish - and if you ask me, that's a very good idea - something they should probably do every week!

Sunday night's show was particularly impressive - much better than last weeks disco show!

Check out the official recap of last night's (as well as Sunday night's) show here.  And for the best unofficial Australian Idol website on the internet, check out the Australian Idol blog.

Here's my weekly recap and grading of the night's performances:

Scale:  (Best)  (Worst)

1. Anthony  - Yes, I've invented a new smiley face just for Anthony this week, because I simply couldn't give him an equal rating to that of previous weeks, due to how powerful his performance was.  Simply amazing!  I would agree with Dicko in that the performance would be better than any we've seen this season, but Guy Sebastian delivered a number of "knock-out" performances last season that we shouldn't dismiss too easily ("Climb Every Mountain" comes to mind)... Great job Anthony! (progress- )

2. Ricki-Lee   - Even though I've ranked Ricki-Lee #2 this week, her performance wasn't close to Anthony's performance but it was still very good once again, as we've come to expect.  Still a hot favourite to go all the way, with Anthony closing in.. (progress- )

3. Casey  - I didn't know the song very well, but I'm told that Casey's performance was almost flawless.  However, as I wasn't familiar with the song or even the artist, I wasn't able to get into the song as much as I would have liked! But I'll take the word of my friends (and Mark Holden), and give Casey almost top marks - because it did sound great! (progress- )

4. Hayley  - Let's get one thing straight - Hayley's voice is absolutely superb, and even though I was worried during the early stages of the song (again, I didn't know this one), she really went for it during the latter stages of the performance and hit the big notes.  I can't get over her voice, it's outstanding!  The judges were harsh, but she'll be better next week!  (progress- )

5. Daniel  - When I learnt Daniel was performing "Your Song", I got a bit worried - as it's one of my favourite songs ever (more so the Elton John version though).  I thought Daniel did a great job, especially towards the end hitting those notes - and at the very least, I thought he'd be safe from elimination this week.  How wrong was I?  (progress- )

6. Courtney  - Certainly, Sunday night was Courtney's "worst" performance so far, at least it was based on my ratings.  And if this is Courtney's worst, then we have a lot to look forward to - because it wasn't really that bad.  It was like a aeroplane on the runaway that started rolling down the runway without ever taking off!  I wouldn't be too quick to write him off, he'll be back! (progress- )

7. Chanel  - Chanel's performance wasn't one I found myself getting into at all, I just don't believe she fits the mould of Australian Idol (as she has said herself).  Don't get me wrong, I like her, but I think she's undecided whether she even wants to be the Australian Idol, which isn't really an ideal situation.  Solid performance, with only Marcia holding back with her comments (how unusual!). Got a feeling Marcia might not want Chanel to be the Aussie Idol this year. (progress- )

8. Marty  - Well, what can I say?  Other than terrible song choice.  I think the general consensus around my office at least is that he should have chosen a song that could have blown the roof off.  Unfortunately, he didn't do that - and in my view was extremely lucky to survive elimination last night. Not only did he survive, but he wasn't even in the bottom 3 - astounding! (progress- )

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Updated Australian Idol rankings, based on my rating of each performance each week...

** Eliminated idols do not feature in the following rankings **

(Best) 6  5  4  3  2  1 (Worst)

So based on these ranking outlined above, here are my current standings:

1. Anthony - 30 points

Received a "touchdown" rating of 8 points (the first ever), to stay well out in front of the pack after another stand-out performance.

2. Ricki-Lee - 25 points

Took on a difficult song and nailed it - well, almost.  We've come to expect brilliance from Ricki, and this week was no exception!

Tie 3. Courtney - 23 points

"God only knows" why the judges attacked him after his performance.. Sang quite well, but probably his "worst" performance of the top 12 stage.

Tie 3. Hayley - 23 points

One of two performers singing a "George" song - did a pretty good job if you ask me!  Thankfully, she wasn't eliminated and lives to fight another day!

5. Casey - 21 points

Back in the hunt, the other performer singing "George", and did it beautifully.  Back to her best!

6. Chanel - 18 points

One of her better performances, but it failed to really strike a chord in me.  Looks unsure whether she even wants to be there!

7. Marty - 8 points

As I said above, wrong song choice - it should have been a "belter".  Lucky to survive, with poor old Daniel being eliminated!

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Don't forget another great Australian Idol site, Australian Idol blog.

Any thoughts on the above?

Well it's certainly been a busy week around here, but I've finally managed to update my basketball teams website, up to the completion of our latest season!

Anyone who wants to check it out can visit the following link:

Hulkamaniacs Basketball

Less than an hour until tonight's Australian Idol live performance show!  So of course, we all know what that means!  Yes that's right - make sure you visit me during the week to check-out my live performance show recap, as well as my weekly Oz Idol rankings!

And how about a plug for the best unofficial Australian Idol site going around, Idol blog.

Is it wrong that one of the highlights of my week is Australian Idol?  What can I say, I'm well and truly sucked in this year - hook, line and sinker!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Another week of Australian Idol passes us by, and we're just days away from this weeks "choose your own song" live performance show!

You've no doubt read my rant about last weeks performances from the disco show, so here are the updated rankings - based on the "rating" I give each performance every week.

Eliminated idols do not feature in the following rankings.

Updated Australian Idol rankings, based on my rating of each performance each week...

(Best) 6  5  4  3  2  1 (Worst)

So based on these ranking outlined above, here are my current standings:

1. Anthony - 22 points

Still leads the way, belting out the numbers week after week!

2. Courtney, Ricki-Lee - 20 points

Courtney and Ricki-Lee are currently in second place.  Most people love Courtney, whilst Ricki-Lee is the hot favourite to win at this stage of the competition.

3. Daniel, Hayley - 19 points

Hayley is my personal favourite, flying under the radar and performing really well.  Daniel's performance in disco week was under-rated if you ask me!

4. Casey - 16 points 

Has slipped a little since her brilliant opening week performance, but is still a contender.

6. Chanel - 15 points

Not my cup of tea personally, but a solid performer with a nice voice.

7. Marty - 6 points

Not living up to the lofty expectations most had for him prior to the top 12!

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Please leave any comments you might have!

Last night was Australian Idol's "Disco" show, and I must say - it was probably the least impressive of the four live performance shows so far.  I can't put my finger on why that is, but I just didn't feel as though many of the remaining 9 contestants delivered what I would call "stand-out" performances. 

I think the judges were pretty much spot on with most of their comments last night, too.  The exception there being Marcia, who really didn't offer up any useful or constructive comments that I can recall, something we've come to expect, sadly!

Check out the official recap of last night's show here.  And for the best unofficial Australian Idol website on the internet, check out the Australian Idol blog.

Here's my weekly recap and grading of the night's performances:

Scale:  (Best)  (Worst)

1. Hayley  - In my opinion, the best "all-round" performance of the night, giving Hayley her first top rating after 4 weeks of competition.  Hayley has been super consistent so far, and hopefully this performance will be a breakthrough one for her.  Let's hope the Australian public get behind her and save her from being in the bottom 3 once again this week, because she doesn't deserve to be there! (progress- )

2. Ricki-Lee   - Ricki-Lee's performance was a stand-out, and continues to provide us with quality performances week-in, week-out.  Vocally, this was probably the first week Ricki-Lee has struggled a bit, but she performed it so well we could barely notice.  In fact, the strain in her voice was noticed by the judges also, but it was still considered a great performance by most. (progress- ) 

3. Courtney  - Courtney is a great performer, and though this wasn't his best of the show so far, it was still very solid.  Has a lot of support, and I'm sure he will only get better from this point on in the competition, like hopefully many of the other idols.  Good job, Courtney. (progress- )

4. Anthony  - This week, Anthony sang 'Carwash' - not a song I am very familiar with at all, but he still delivered a high quality performance, and I soon forgot that I didn't know the song!  Anthony is a very polished performer, and it shows in the way he is so confident every week, no matter what he's singing.  I'd be very surprised if he didn't go a long way in this competition! (progress- )

5. Casey  - Slowly but surely, working her way back into the competition, coming off a couple of "sub-par" performances.  If you remember, Casey's first performance (Tina Arena's Symphony of Life) was an absolute beauty, but since then she's struggled to find the right song for her.  Last night though, Casey certainly got her groove back! (progress- )

6. Daniel  - I was pretty impressed by Daniel's performance, because if anyone was going to be out of their depth singing "disco", I thought it would be Daniel.  But to his credit, he performed really well - and is probably unlucky not to be a bit higher in these ratings!  This performance should be enough to avoid bottom 3, I *think*.  (progress- )

7. Chanel  - Not a memorable performance from Chanel, sadly, as she really hasn't performed to her best for a few weeks now.  The judges really got stuck into her for this performance, too.  But that's only because they know how much potential she has, and it doesn't seem like she's showing it at the moment.  According to my ratings, could be bottom 3, but given her huge fan base, I can't see that happening..  (progress- )

8. Emelia  - I've rated Emelia and Marty on equal footing this week, but I've surprisingly given Emelia the nod ahead of Marty, only because the song was a bit more difficult to sing.  I think Emelia is lucky to still be in the competition, but to her credit, she's still doing her best to stay alive.  Last night's performance wasn't as good as last week, but she's trying.  Her voice didn't quite stand up as well last night, and I'd expect a bottom 3 for Emelia tonight. (progress- )

9. Marty  - Marty, Marty, Marty... why can't I see this great bloke as the second ever Australian Idol?  I just can't, and I don't really know why!  Since his impressive top 30 performance, he hasn't shown to me (and a lot others, I'm sure) that he has the depth to be a star.  He could certainly still prove me wrong, and I hope he does - but although his performance last night was okay, it didn't move me in any way.  Bottom 3 again, and possible elimination tonight looms for Marty if he's not careful! (progress- )

So my predicted bottom 3 for tonight is Emelia, Marty and Chanel, with Emelia to be eliminated.

Stay tuned for tonight's live verdict show!  And don't forget another great Australian Idol site, Australian Idol blog.

Any thoughts?

If anyone else is interested in fantasy sports and "dream teams", feel free to pop over and join me at Sportal's NBL Dream Team competition!

(NBL stands for National Basketball League for anyone wondering!)

Check it out!  Let me know if you join up and we compete be in the same league..

Cheers.

This week's Australian Idol verdict show has been and gone, with Amali the unlucky competitor booted out of the competition.

I think she was a tough unlucky, as based on performances this week alone, Marty was the fortunate one who probably should have gone, but alas, the Australian public voted him into the top 9.

Amali has a good run, but was out of her depth.  After all, she's only 16 - and has the world at her feet!  Good luck to her...

I'm very worried about Hayley - who for whatever reason is consistently in the bottom 2 or 3 each week.  If I hadn't made it clear yet, Hayley is my favourite (once Ngaiire was eliminated).  Maybe I should start voting for her, as it's clear I can't leave it to the Australian public to keep her safe from elimination each week!

So here are my updated Australian Idol rankings, based on my rating of each performance each week...

(Best) 6  5  4  3  2  1 (Worst)

So based on these ranking outlined above, here are my current standings:

1. Anthony - 17 points

2. Courtney, Daniel - 15 points

3. Ricki-Lee - 14 points

4. Hayley - 13 points

5. Casey, Chanel - 12 points

6. Emelia - 6 points

7. Marty - 4 points

So Anthony still leads the way, with Daniel and Courtney right on his tail a couple of points behind.

And lastly on the Australian Idol theme, check this out.  Apparently last seasons "rock chick", Kelly Cavuoto, went ballistic at this week's Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, including swearing at the TV every time last seasons winner, Guy Sebastian, appeared on a TV screen.  Yes, she's officially lost it folks.