Now, I don’t think it’s any secret that the entire idea of a celebrity like Miley Cyrus annoys me: the famous daddy, the manufactured Disney image, that whole “I love Jesus, but I also love booty shorts and stripper poles” thing, the fact that “Party in the USA” gets stuck in my head like some kind of mind control program and won’t get out – the list just goes on and on. But I must begrudgingly admit that Miley Cyrus’ appearance on last night’s episode of what is shaping up to be the worst season ever of FOX juggernaut “American Idol” wasn’t nearly as grating as I expected. As a mentor, Miley was friendly, patient and encouraging to all of the contestants – even the really horrific ones – and managed to give some of them some halfway decent advice – which is more than I can say for any of the judges, who appear to be more wrapped up in their own psychodrama of clashing egos than anything happening on stage.

There are thousands of songs to choose from when the American Idol contestants are asked to cover past No. 1 hits from the Billboard chart.

Hence, the night started off with so much possibility.

But maybe by now we shouldn’t be shocked by the preposterous song choices they ultimately make.

That’s what 17-year-old mentor Miley Cyrus was there for, though: to help the top 11 not only choose the right songs (“Yesterday” was a chart-topper, but so was “Macarena”) but also tap into the sort of infectious appeal that has made even so-so singers into international superstars.

So did anyone have one of those moments that the judges are always talking about?

[From E!Online]

Entertainment Weekly sends one of their reporters to every taping of Idol, who then blogs about all of the backstage goings-on while the contestants are “singing.” For example, all of the judges were practically falling over themselves to get a chance to speak with Miley during the commercial breaks. Given the sub-par talent being offered as finalists this year, the backstage stuff is way more interesting. Yes, Tim Urban, I’m looking at you. Put down the microphone and step AWAY from the Freddie Mercury.

But you know, Idol is a cruel mistress. And because I feel confident that America got to see the full brunt of the heinocity they hath wrought on stage tonight, I’m sure you won’t mind when I answer my colleague Mandi Bierly’s rhetorical tweet question, “Worst night of Idol ever?” with a hearty “Probably, but how can you even tell anymore?”

Great job, speed-dialing Americans. We now get to spend the next 10 weeks with these yahoos. Hollywood, are you ready to make some noise?

This week’s mentor, Miley Cyrus, was also there, alongside her Last Song producer Adam Shankman, who also produced the Oscars. I am told he also has something to do with a televised dance competition, but I don’t watch those.

…Meanwhile, Kara started having a private conversation with Simon, an activity that did not stop for two hours. I do not know why she is so intent upon being his total bestie, nor do I know what they are talking about. I could warrant a few guesses, but in the interest of being kinder to Kara now that she has moved into the official Loopy Dancing Kook spot behind the judging table, I’m gonna lay off for fear she comes looking for my head later this season, threatening to hang it from her rearview mirror.

As the Idols filed off stage to get ready to perform, Andrew Garcia — who has creepily been reminding me of Gokey lately; anybody else? — shared a nervous handshake with Lee Dewyze. (Note: I am convinced at least two of this season’s contestants are using fake names.) Simon scored an Altoid from someone. I watched the Miley Cyrus introductory clip intently, trying to figure out if she was sporting a nose ring. I moved my hips like yeah when appropriate.

…During the first commercial, Simon and Randy made a beeline for Miley.

[From Entertainment Weekly]

That’s not to say that Miley’s appearance was annoyance-free – there were multiple occasions when the camera would cut away to her after a contestant’s performance and she was chomping away on her gum, mouth wide open – but in general, I was pleasantly surprised. Of course, Miley will be performing on the results show tonight, so I am reserving my full judgment until then. Bascially, at this point, I would not mind in the slightest if Miley took over judging for Ellen, Kara and Randy. All three of them are completely useless, incapable of delivering any kind of meaningful criticm – which at least half of the remaining contestants are in dire need of.