Bravo TV’s Real Housewives of New York City is back tonight and I can’t wait. Two new cast members join the cast: Sonja Morgan and Jennifer Gilbert. From the looks of it, they give Kelly Killoren Bensimon a run for her money – let’s hope so. A couple of other early observations:

1) Um, you aren’t actresses. And you most certainly are not singers. Please, somebody stop the Countess from embarrassing herself further. What, is Bravo working on a Real Housewives Girl Band or something?

2) If they’re not singing (several of the Orange County Housewives also took their stab at it), they’re writing. Or rather, paying someone to write for them.

3) Bethenny: “Let’s not be, like, fake.” Uh, wait a minute – that’s what makes this “reality” show so great. All the faux friendships. Man, these ladies are mean!

4) Ramona agrees: “They’re the mean girls.” Wait, aren’t these ladies in their 40s? Mean Girls was about high school. Suck it up, Ramona.

5) Bethenny: “she, like lost a husband and grew a penis.” Um, okay. Bethenny is known for her one liners!

Check ‘em out for yourself:

All in all, this is one of the best of Bravo TV’s Real Housewife series. Tune in tonight – in just about an hour at 11 EST/10 CST. After Orange County, which I found a little boring this last season (I mean, how many plastic surgeries and sparkly-cleavage-showing-tummy-covering-tops can we watch), I am ready for the “class” and Northeast attitudes of these New Yawkers. Bring it on.

Oh, and if you’ve never watched the show, here’s a recap of the most memorable moments in ‘Real Housewives’ history across all the locales. Gotta love it.

I’ll admit I quite enjoy the pop culture – phenom of American Idol. The combination of their (carefully-selected) mishaps during the city-by-city auditions and the week-by-week crescendo of the Top 24 keeps the American dream alive. Who doesn’t love watching a (usually) rags-to-riches story come true?

So, while we’re just in the beginning stages (week two, I believe) of the Final 24, here are my favorites and guess at the top eight… who are your choices?

Women

Crystal Bowersox – she’s not the glam, over-produced pop star but how can you not respect her raw talent? She makes me want to be in a bar, drinking a good beer and watching her perform. I love her gritty voice, musical abilities and “I’m me – take it or leave it” confidence.

Katelyn Epperly - first, I love her hair. Adorable. Second, love the tone of her voice. The only negative to her for me was her mother during auditions – projecting her divorce and sadness onto this poor girl and pressuring her to do this not for Katelyn, but for her mother. Seemed a little contrived to me. But I love this girl and the fact that she can also play piano (which we learned tonight) just made me like her all the more.

Lilly Scott - score one for the band geek. This woman can play at least a half dozen musical instruments, she’s got crazy hair (what is that color?) and she is so entertaining to watch. Also, another unique soul who is comfortable with herself – and that is so attractive. Plus, who sings “Fixing a Hole”? She does, that’s who.

Siobhan Magnus - Simon has this girl’s number – she is a “funny little thing.” But damn, this girl can sing. And I love that she used to have a mohawk. How many of us can look back on our lives and say that? Now, if I could just get there to style her….  her fashion sense is so awful it holds me back from loving her like crazy. Someone get this girl a stylist!

I also quite enjoy Paige Miles – she’s adorable, personable and a great singer. But she also seems like someone I’ve seen a million times, and the ladies above offer something just a bit more interesting and different.

Men

Michael Lynche - Who doesn’t love “Big Mike”? He’s so personable, so sincere and so darn good. He is just fun to watch. I hope he goes a long way.

Lee Dewyze - I could listen to him sing all day long. He’s just interesting and has a great tone – although a little pitchy at times. But there’s some strangeness in his eyes – is it lack of confidence, as the judges suggest? Well, that can grow with each performance, so vote for him each week!

Alex Lambert - Again, a kid who could do better once she shakes the nerves, but his voice is so cool. Now, just cut that hair and he might even be hot.

Andrew Garcia – Andrew has been one of my “top 3″ choices since the beginning. I was surprised the judges didn’t like him as much this week – his voice is incredibly controlled and he can add his own, unique twist to every song, it seems. I hope he goes very far, if not all the way.

I’d like to include Casey James in the top eight but the truth is, he’s so pretty I can’t tell if I like his singing as much as his smile.

Who are you betting on this season?

I’m not, but if I were attending tonight’s 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards, here are five gowns I might wear. How about you?

If you are in Hollywood, The Huffington Post covers a list of the hottest pre- and post-awards shindigs here.

Chanel Resort 2010 Silk satin tight black gown

Marchesa tiered pleated organza strapless gown with draped bodice

Valentino Ruffle Halter Gown

Carmen Marc Valvo Taffeta Gown

CHANEL HAUTE COUTURE BY KARL LAGERFELD