happy monday

So is everybody ready for the last week of semifinals? Who do you think will be the last four contestants to go?
I'm going to go out on an early limb and guess this week will be especially interesting. I already have some pretty high expectations given last week's weirdness. I mean, between Sundance's relentless crying and Ryan's refusal to even address the Antonella Barba scandal, things can only get weirder, right?
No major AI news transpired over the weekend, although the Web is still buzzing with talk over the Antonella pics. In fact, some site even called it a "phenomenon" this morning. Honestly, I think a lot of people are overstating its impact. This is nothing new. Every season has had a contestant whose criminal history was exposed mid-season.
Does anyone remember the Frenchie Davis scandal? Do you think Antonella Barba is any different? Some people don't. In fact, supporters of Frenchie (who was eliminated from AI four years ago because of purported involvement with an adult Web site) are organizing a protest Tuesday at Hollywood's Kodak Theater. Read more here.
In other AI-related developments, there's allegedly a feud brewing between judge Simon Cowell and recent Oscar winner (and AI reject) Jennifer Hudson. Hudson, who was voted off the show after entering the elusive Top 12, didn't thank "Idol" when accepting her supporting actress honor at last Sunday's Academy Awards.
Simon was allegedly disappointed, and reportedly said in response, "Singers like her deliberately turn against the show that made them successful. The reason (people) come on the show is because all the doors had been slammed in their face." Read more here.
What do you guys think? Do you think anyone other than the show's ultimate winner has responsibility to thank AI, or AI fans, for their subsequent successes? Send me your thoughts.