Agreed. I thought Ryan looked really nice.

It was interesting to see "a day in the week of...." I can see how that lifestyle can get tiring - physically and emotionally.

The contestants would have alot of private time to learn their songs, but not a whole lot of time with the band to rehearse. I am quite surprised that they do as well as they do.

Read an article yesterday in which Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia and Ruben all lament how the Idols have it easier this year (than they did). The contestants this season get to sing with the accompaniment of a full orchestra and they get more freedom to move around and work the audience and judges. Kelly complained that during her season, the producers pretty much told her to stay put in one place on the stage.

I think though while the band is nice, sometimes it can be overpowering along with the background vocals. Sometimes, the contestant's vocals get drowned out.

The visual screen gets a bit annoying too. I don't mind the sunsets, seascapes or Burger King-like grill flames, but sometimes (especially when Bo does a more "acoustic" number) we see waaaay too much closeup of the guitar player :p .