Community Corner

Patch is Back at Blarney for More 'Idol' Blogging!

We continue our blogging streak, live from the Oak Forest pub. Don't miss our minute-by-minute updates throughout the show.

Patch is back at Blarney Stone for more live blogging throughout the American Idol viewing party! We're 10 minutes from showtime, and this place is showing signs of a crowd the size of last week's!

6:50 p.m.

If they've heard the rumors of Chris being eliminated this week, they're not showing it. The crowd is ready and waiting for their Idol to take the stage again. We're settling in, making our rounds and saying hello to some of his biggest fans. Don't miss it!

Find out what's happening in Oak Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

7:05 p.m.

We just spoke with Dave Alyinovich, the bassist of Chris Medina's band The Able Body, who said the audience will be missing out on a true, genuine creative force, if Medina does in fact get kicked off tonight. Stay tuned for the video interview.

Find out what's happening in Oak Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

7:07 p.m.

As usual, just one glance of their favorite guy sends this crowd into cheers. We hope there are more weeks of this to come.

7:11 p.m.

This vocal coach looks like a nightmare. But no one here seems worried about Chris' chances with the Beatles catalog.

7:17 p.m.

Sixty-one contestants, but only one everyone in this bar cares about. Take that, Ryan Seacrest. Also, what are both Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez wearing tonight?

7:24 p.m.

Orland Park Patch editor Ben Feldheim just joined us at Blarney. ?

7:37 p.m.

We just talked to friends and family about the rumors. Ramos' cousin Allison Carroll said she hasn't canceled her trip to Hollywood to see the show just yet. ... Don't miss the video to come!

7:46 p.m.

Guess who's here? The Tin Man has joined us! King Heating brought the icon here to see another famous Oak Forest face!

7:54 p.m.

Medina just appeared on the screen, and as usual, the crowd went crazy for their favorite. Medina and his song partner chose the Beatles' "A Hard Days Night." What did you think? The crowd at Blarney loved it!

8:05 p.m.

One cut down, and Chris is in the top 40! One more cut to go tonight. Eek!

8:11 p.m.

If there's one thing that Idol does well, it's drama. This build-up is a little overboard. What do you guys think?

8:18 p.m.

Just as a show of how much this community loves Chris and Juliana, a raffle here tonight at $5 a ticket raised $500, with the winner receiving two tickets to a Bulls game.

8:36 p.m.

Patch just got word that CIC (Oak Forest TV) will be interviewing your Patch editor for a Chris Medina special to be airing next month. Also, I suppose we should be happy for the other Illinois native in the competition. Congratulations, Haley, for making the top 24!

8:45 p.m.

Waiting, waiting, waiting. Chris' fans are becoming pros at the waiting game. And these producers really like saving Chris for last.

9:06 p.m.

Orland Park Editor Ben Feldheim (reluctantly) here again. Chris was given the bad news tonight. J-Lo could barely hold it together as she told Chris he was going home. She said how much they like him, but his singing wasn't as strong in later rounds.

Here at the Blarney Stone in Oak Forest, a packed house once again looked on as Chris competed. The room's burst of cheers at seeing him changed to silence as Chris was told he was done. A few described the judges' decision as bull crap.

Juliana's mother Janet and aunt Lori were quick to comfort the saddened Medina Maniacs.

"He is not done yet," Janet said. "Continue to support him, because he has a lot ahead of him."

Janet said he is still getting lots of views on Youtube, and has talk show appearances ahead.

As for Chris himself, he took the news with diginity, thanking and embracing the judges. He briefly said he was thinking about quitting music, but all three judges immediately told him that wasn't the move. Even Steven Tyler's crazy ass was sincere.

Chris has the talent and the heart, and this is a musician and former music critic talking. I think we'll be seeing him again.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here