Here I go again...

Last May, when American Idol ended and I was dismayed by the outcome, I swore that I would not watch AI again because I tend to get way too involved. I suppose I should have taken AI off the 'season pass' on TiVo, but I didn't, so the first show of the new season recorded last night And, well, once it recorded, what was I supposed to do? Delete it? Yeah. Right.

So, once again, a parade of folks who think they can sing, sprinkled with a few who actually can, flashed across the screen.

I haven't watched every season of AI. I started watching in the middle of the first season, then watched the next two, then burned out awhile and didn't watch at all. But, a couple of years ago, I started watching again -- and all was under control until Adam Lambert auditioned and I picked him immediately to win the competition. And, although he ended up second to Kris Allen, I think we all know who the real winner is. I like Kris well enough but Adam, oh, Adam... Yeah, I still got it bad and that ain't...a problem, as far as I'm concerned. But I may be seriously deluded.

But I have good reasons for watching this year -- or so I'm telling myself. Simon Cowell says this will be his last season on AI (although he'll be on another show -- The X-Factor -- next year). I want to see how Ellen Degeneres, with no musical background, handles the critiques of contestants. I want to hear Randy saw "dawg". And Kara? Well, she's yet to win me over -- and I already miss nutty Paula.

Well, I guess I could be watching worse things. And I think I have. But, at the same time, with all the horrid stuff going on in the world, it's actually not such a bad thing to have a ready-made escape, like AI, which requires no deep thought, can make me laugh and, if the winner is the wrong one, make me cry. For the record, I didn't cry last year. I was too numb.

This is where you might want to say step back, girlfriend...

Ah, well. Here I go again. I doubt if you could stop me. Probably the only thing that could would be Adam Lambert showing up for a private concert...

Two out of three of us living here would be delighted. And, yes, Shannon, I'll call you immediately...