Patch is Live at Blarney Stone for 'American Idol' Viewing Party!

Oak Forest residents love them some , and so does .  The bar will welcome American Idol fans every Wednesday through the end of the show, with a and Oak Forest resident Juliana Ramos. Patch will try to make each and every week, blogging live from inside the pub.

Ready? And, here ... we ... GO!

Wednesday, Feb. 9, 6:47 p.m.

A man just walked in, heaving a giant box of "Medina Mania" shirts. Pub owner Tom Spellman said he expects at least one party of 50 to 100 people. Medina's fiancée Juliana Ramos and family have just arrived.

6:52 p.m.

ABC-7 just parked themselves at the table across from your Oak Forest Patch editor. Ladies and gentleman, we've hit the bigtime.

7:01 p.m.

The place is filling with the red "Medina Mania" shirts — really great to see. The first contestant's belly dancing didn't sit right with the judges, no golden ticket for her.

7:12 p.m.

This place is electric with the possibility that Chris Medina will be stopping in. Don't worry, your Patch is perched right by the door — we'll know right away if/when he walks in.

7:15 p.m.

The current contestant, Stefano Langone,  has a touching story of recovery from a car accident. But we don't find him as endearing as Chris. What do you think, fans? He's got nothing on Medina, in our opinion.

7:23 p.m.

... and your Patch editor might have just ended up in a background shot for ABC-7.

7:27 p.m.

Chris has arrived! He's standing behind Juliana, stroking her hair as she gives him a thumbs-up. The news crew is swarming him, but his eyes are on Juliana. The love story is true.

7:43 p.m.

Chris has not left Juliana for a second. Your Patch editor is close to tears.

7:57 p.m.

The cameraman from ABC-7 may or may not have just captured Patch editor Lauren Traut on camera typing away on this very article. Meanwhile, Medina family and friends are interviewing with ABC-7. We'll have our own video to come, so be sure to keep checking! You have my attention, readers, but Chris' is devoted entirely to Juliana.

8:01 p.m.

AUDITIONS ARE OVER! Bring on the Hollywood round! How far do you think Chris will make it, readers? Tell us in the comments!