Results - Week 36

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

I got up this morning, went to vote, got on the bus and felt something moving on the back of my neck.

So I did what any reasonable person would do - I swatted it!

It turned out to be a bee, who as it’s last act on the planet, stung me in between my fingers!

This is how my day started.

Making this announcement, tonight, is right up there though with “worst things to happen this week”. Regardless of the outcome, it was going to be the case. At least with this, I knew it was coming!

Before I get to anything else - I want to thank everyone who came out to support our writers! I know they appreciate it, and hopefully have told you that themselves. But I definitely do as well. Some of you are old friends that might not come around as often, and some have never even heard of Idol before this moment. I hope that you decide to stick around to see what this hubbub is all about!

I can guarantee you that you will be in for a couple more rounds of great writing, and I hope, a lot of fun!

As for the writers, I kind of have been saying it now for a couple weeks. But somehow it’s managed to not sink in to your thick skulls! So maybe I need to get a bat, or a sledghammer, or perhaps another round of Hell Week! You know, something dangerous! :)

What you folks have done, not only for Hell Week, but getting to this point in the competition is amazing. Anyone doing anything but walking out of here with their head held high and full of confidence in themselves needs to be treated like a hippie and kicked repeatedly. Heck, anyone who showed up during this season - and put themselves out there, regardless of how long they lasted, needs to be holding their head high! You know how many people never bother to try? That’s an accomplishment right there. Making it through Hell Week - that’s an exercise in sheer determination! I’d salute you, but I mostly feel like kicking right now, so maybe I’ll do that instead! :)

We have results - and twists and turns and turns inside of twists. So sit down, bring out your compass and I’ll explain it all. Then someone will ask something and I’ll have to explain it twice, so if you can get it the first time, maybe you can help me bring them up to speed!



There are four stages to this week, in this order: Jury voting for immunity, Gatekeepers, Contestant Only/Home Gamers for Week 36, and finally the community only poll.

Each of these stages has a bit of “huh?” So I’ll walk you through it gently:

It was a fairly close vote, but ultimately the Jury voted to give the final immunity of Season 8 to n3m3sis42. Which means that she can not be eliminated this week - and has earned a place in the Top 4! Congratulations!

Now comes to the Gatekeepers. It’s always a big mystery who it is going to be - and this time I went for a pretty straight forward collection based on a simple criteria that should be fairly obvious: Winners, Spirit of LJ Idol award winners and Season 4 Hell Week participants! Unfortunately, there was a series of unfortunate events involving quite a few of them over the last month or so, but we still did get my core number - the number that I secretly kind of wanted - 4, representing the number of contestants to complete Season 4’s Hell Week! Also, representing the number of contestants who would be left at the end of this week! It’s all about the numbers!

Speaking of- who were they?
kittenboo - Who knows your pain from her own battle in Season 4.
amenquohi - Winner, Season 7
spydielives - Spirit of LJ Idol, Season 3
tinhuviel - Winner, Season 1. (who actually completed her task from a hospital bed!)

Thank you Gatekeepers for making the difficult decisions and continuing to help out Idol when she needs you the most!

Now here it where things get interesting - because the contestant who would have been eliminated, based on their votes received immunity! So, as I said, she is safe this week.

So we go to the person with the next lowest vote total - which is pixie117 (Who, as it happened, had the highest Contestant Only total. Which just goes to show how different audiences will come to different conclusions!)

HOWEVER, I received a statement from java_fiend that if she was in danger, he was taking the bullet!

Therefore, he has sacrificed on her behalf.

Which means the Last Male Left in the Competition, has again been taken down by the LJ Sisterhood. This time though, was for love, and believing in her. So, I guess that’s as good of a reason as you can get for that sort of thing.

The second vote didn’t have a twist - but it does create one. In the Contestant/Home Gamer tally we are saying goodbye to alycewilson

The final vote, the one with the twist - well, the lowest vote total has been eliminated last round - which means it goes to person with the next lowest amount. There were a few moments there that I thought it was going to end up a tie. But that didn’t end up happening.

Instead, we are saying goodbye to milk_and_glass

These are three incredible writers, and people.

Maybe only two incredible people. I can’t be caught saying anything nice about Kevin, even under the circumstances. I have a rep.

I’ve been honored to know Alyce for several seasons now and she is absolutely top notched. One of the most solid folks you could ever ask to have around you.

M&G, I haven’t known as long, or as well. But she was definitely an early favorite. Seeing her here is no surprise. There were definitely moments during the competition when I was preparing for her to take the whole thing.

As for Kevin... well, he really like Amanda Kimmel. I think that’s all you need to know about the guy when you get right down to it.

Thank you to all of you for your incredible work, and contribution to Idol this season. There’s not much Home Game left, but I hope to see you in it, and in the cheering sections in the cheap seats (hint: they are ALL cheap seats, you don’t honestly think that I put in the nice ones do you? :D) to see how this thing plays out!

Comments

[pixiebelle.livejournal.com]

Wow.... I tried telling him not to do this for me when he mentioned it...

I guess he doesn't listen.

I'm sorry, he really should still be here....

Just wow. He knows I love him like crazy though, I just think he deserves to be here <3

[mstrobel.livejournal.com]

OMG he totally owns the world at chivalry!!

Also nooooooooooooooo Alyce :( :( :(

On the plus side, I am so glad the rest of the Jury succumbed to my mind control (or just agreed with me that she rocks) and gave n3m3sis42 immunity ♥

[roina-arwen.livejournal.com]

You both deserve to be here - y'all did great, and actually tied each other on my personal spreadsheet! *hugs*

[porn-this-way.livejournal.com]

*blinks*

Um. That's all I've got. Coherent reaction forming, bbl.

[kathrynrose.livejournal.com]

Yeah. I'd love to make some word strings that mean something but.

[p-m-cryan.livejournal.com]

Wow.

Wow.

Wow.

I'll be more coherent tomorrow, but... wow.

[kathrynrose.livejournal.com]

This.

[alien-infinity.livejournal.com]

*brain asplodes*

[lyricmaniac.livejournal.com]

Disappointing.

[roina-arwen.livejournal.com]

Wow. I'm shocked - shocked, I tell you! java_fiend bites the bullet for pixie117? That's true love, although he probably just wanted to avoid writing another 17 entries. ;)

Very sad to see alycewilson and milk_and_glass go too. You both did great and have lots to be proud of!

[alycewilson.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I know you mean it.

Now, about that Eliminati icon... Where can I get one?

[n3m3sis42.livejournal.com]

OMG. OMG. OMG. I LOVE YOU JURY.

Alyce - I think you were the last other mom left in this. It's been fun getting to know you. You were a fierce competitor and I will miss you.

M&g - You were an amazing competitor. And a friend. And omg. You did amazing.

Java - Chivalry isn't dead. I had you pegged to win this shit.

OMG WHAT JUST HAPPENED

[myrna-bird.livejournal.com]

Crazy, Crazy game! Congrats to the Final Four!!

[theun4givables.livejournal.com]

pixie117, you better be thanking that boy with as many different...ah...adult things as possible, tomorrow night. Seriously. (Okay you don't really have to, but if I were in your shoes you bet your ass I would be thanking him in as many ways as is possible, lol)

I'm sitting here in a daze because OMG talk about a stressful as hell vote.

Everyone who is leaving us tonight are amazing and don't you guys forget it. <3

[pixiebelle.livejournal.com]

I'm still in shock right now... I can't form coherent sentences after the stress I've been under today....

But if you know me, you know I'm more than happy to thank him ;)

Though he might just prefer ice cream and Chinese takeout :P

[noodledays.livejournal.com]

♥♥♥

[comedychick.livejournal.com]

I don't quite know how to take this all in, mainly because I made a comment to Kevin about sacrificing, though I'm sure he made that decision long before I said anything. I am glad Kristen made the top 4, though, so thank you for that, Kevin! <3

I... man, everyone to go is on my flist. I'm in a bit of disbelief about that. I only have one flister left in the game.

[alycewilson.livejournal.com]

Quick, friend the rest of the Top 4!

Seriously, though, it's been a good run. Thanks for coming along.

[sarcasmoqueen.livejournal.com]

Wow. Just... Wow. My mind is officially blown.

We lost some great ones! Best of luck to the top 4.

[n3m3sis42.livejournal.com]

<3

I know this was not what you expected. Me neither, honestly, but it's not like I'm going to complain.

[oneonthefence.livejournal.com]

Hmm. I guess all I can say (while lurking on the sidelines) is wow. Not what I was expecting...

Happy about the immunity choice, but sorry to see three very talented writers go. Definitely not what I had in mind (again, from my lurking on the sidelines position).

Good luck to those who were given immunity, those who were given a second chance, and those who stayed in regardless! It shall be interesting to watch from here on out (who am I kidding, it's always interesting to watch...:)

[alycewilson.livejournal.com]

You definitely need to read my good-bye post. No surprise, but you're in it.

[alycewilson.livejournal.com]

Where can I get my Eliminati icon?

I have more to say, and it's already posted:

http://alycewilson.livejournal.com/481109.html

Now, at least I'll have time to finish the revamp of my lit mag, Wild Violet, (http://www.wildviolet.net) which is converting from a quarterly to a weekly. Submission guidelines are at the site. Look for the first weekly issue soon!

Congrats to the Top 4.

[medleymisty.livejournal.com]

*makes note of lit mag link* :)

I think you did wonderfully well this season, and you're all awesome, and I like you and stuff yay!

[not-hothead-yet.livejournal.com]

kudoes to all! Great job!

(goes back into hiding)

[m-malcontent.livejournal.com]

O.k......I am about to get flamed beyond flaming here.

Maybe I will even be made to walk the plank in the community and maybe I will even lose a friend I have a lot, lot, lot of respect for.

Why are we still having twist after twist at this point in the season?

I couldn't read 170 entries this week...I just couldn't....but I understand the reason. Testing a writers ability to to be prolific and "just write, damn it" is a legitimate part of the craft.

I am also cool with bringing in gatekeepers, because I really do think it does help to keep some of the popularity element at bay.

I mean of course Java threw himself on his sword for Pixie....I might even have done the same if it was my significant other....But in my, and only my, opinion....I can't believe he had the opportunity to do it at this laaaaaaaaaaaate stage of the game.

And there is a shark frenzy about milk_and_glass doing something legal...but against the "spirit of the game"? Spirit of the game? I know at least 6 people (long gone now) in the competition who somehow had the mutant power to get out 20 or so votes in the final hour anytime they needed them.

I like and respect Gary, Kevin, Kristen and Elizabeth.....but it's always sad when something unforseen happens and a couple of your real thoroughbreds don't get to see who's got the most mojo at the wire.

[m-malcontent.livejournal.com]

Congrats to the final 4....any of you would be a fine champion and I am proud to have been able to compete against you.

[mac-arthur-park.livejournal.com]

I just...wow.

Should this be renamed "LJI: Hunger Games Edition"?

All are fine writers. Congrats to the final four, and to everyone I had the honor of getting to know over this season.

[kittenboo.livejournal.com]

Wow

What else can I say? Some surprising results right there!

So hello there ljidol world! You don't know me but I was one of your gatekeepers, because I was in the season 4 hell week. I actually got eliminated that week so I really do feel your pain! Anyway if you are interested you can read a short recap or explanation of my gate-keeping as it were. http://kittenboo.livejournal.com/377036.html

[halfshellvenus.livejournal.com]

This isn't quite the flavor of unhappiness I expected to feel after this round.

It would be unhappiness regardless, because this is such a great group of writers. But chivalrous as Java's choice was, I just have really mixed feelings about it and how it changes this part of the game.

So, I'll leave it at that.

Regrets to those of you leaving! And congrats to those in the Final Four. Let's hope you've seen the last of Hell from here on out. :D

[pixiebelle.livejournal.com]

And I'm sorry he chose to do what he did. I had asked him not to do it....

As I say below, this is not how I wanted it to end for him either.

[pixiebelle.livejournal.com]

I get that this upsets some people..

I had asked him to not sacrifice for me, he did that for his own reasons....

I'm sorry that it worked out this way. I'm going to try and honor his sacrifice by writing the best damn entry I have in me, but I'm sorry this isn't what some of you wanted to see.

It was his choice for many reasons, including needing to focus his attention elsewhere. It's not how I wanted to see things end for him either, trust me.

[noodledays.livejournal.com]

I'd guess and hope just about everyone realizes this is not what you wanted to see either. <3 to you both.

[imafarmgirl.livejournal.com]

I have to say that these results make me the most unhappy of any week. Only one of my picks for top four remains.

[noodledays.livejournal.com]

I'm so sad at losing alyce and milk_and_glass, but it really is incredibly tough to see anyone go by now. :(
the good news is that I know they both have lots more good stuff to write and will keep plugging along.

[pixiebelle.livejournal.com]

I deleted my comment above because honestly, I shouldn't have said anything publicly and don't want people jumping to conclusions and whatnot.

I'm just really sorry I let some people down because of his choice. That's all I'll say right now. I'm really not in the mood to discuss the circumstances behind what I said either. I just want to move on with things....

[kathrynrose.livejournal.com]

I'm just really sorry I let some people down because of his choice.

Logic flaw.

HIS choice. YOU can't let people down because of HIS choice.

(see what I mean about interpretation?)

[snarkerdoodle.livejournal.com]

Late to the party as always, but I think it took me about four hours to read through the results and understand it all, lol.

As has been true since probably at least the Top 25 if not further back, any results at all are going to be a disappointment on some level -- even though I've totally dropped off on commenting because OMG I have no free time, I still read as much as I can, and damn, you people are impressive, lol. Only more and more so as we've reached Top 15, Top 10, and now Top 4. I am pleased as punch that the four who survived made it through, and depressed as hell that the three who didn't are leaving us. That would be true no matter *what* combination of three and four usernames were included there.

And while I am totally 'omg haaaaate' on one hand that Java sacrificed, that's just because I love his stuff and want to see more, lol. On the other hand, I totally understand and support him wanting to support Pixie, so the flip side is 'omg looooove' his decision. In the end, the only truth that matters is that it was his decision to make, he made it, and there you go. He'll rest easy knowing he gets to see his girl continue on because that's what he wanted, and Pixie gets to keep hoping/working for that Idol Winner Season 8 title while knowing she's got possibly the best boyfriend ever in the history of anything, lol, so that's all right too. ;)