Ah, American Idol Top 12… If the 2010 idols are feeling at all how I was feeling in 2007, they're either nauseous, excited, on the verge of tears, or all of the above. I know I was. I’m Gina Glocksen, your ninth place finalist a.k.a "Girl with the red streaks" and resident rocker from season six. Speaking from experience, last night’s Idol is huge for the 12 people up there on stage proving themselves as the next music sensation.

The theme was a bit scary to me. When I heard it was Rolling Stones week, I mean, I was the rocker of my season and when I sang "Paint It Black", I got ripped to shreds! So I’m starting afresh and being totally honest with you on my views of this season. Hey, the show is HARD and I am not out to make enemies, so join me as I embark on this ride as your Idol blogger for 2010.

Read American Idol: The Top 8 Guys Perform

First of all, there were changes this season to the format and the judges. Let's start with the format: Sorry, gotta admit I grew a little tired of the sob story introductions. Sure family = drama = good T.V. I get it. But even I can only take so much on the first night.

Now the judges in my opinion are fantastic and I kinda wish I’d had them too. The new lineup combines the perfect amount of humor and seriousness. They make the performer feel at ease, yet leave the stage with some constructive criticism. While Kara DioGuardi’s input is so valuable, I do miss Paula Abdul. It’s sad the contestants are really missing the interaction with a great woman like her. Props to Ellen DeGeneres, she’s doing great for her first time out, and I always found Randy Jackson’s feedback so helpful. And Simon Cowell … you were wearing a cardigan? Still I was very happy to see that he actually owns more than button-ups!