Two Finalists Compete

Nokia Theatre, live from Los Angeles, 7 thousand fans in the house. Both finalists are from the Chicago auditions and both are 24.

Each contestant will sing three songs: first will be the contestant's personal favorite from this season; second, a track chosen by the show's producer, Simon Fuller; and last will be the song they'll release IF they win.

We walked down memory lane with Lee, then he sang "The Boxer". He sounded good, although I thought the sound was off; too much of the background track was drowning out his vocals. It was classic Lee, but there was no heart to it.

We took a walk down memory lane with Crystal, then she sang "Me and Bobby McGee". Again, classic Crystal, but not a lot of heart.

Lee sang "Everybody Hurts" next. I didn't know the girls from "Deal or No Deal" could sing, but it looked like they were the backup singers. Again, Lee, and a smidgen more heart, but it left me wanting more.

Crystal sang "Black Velvet". I agree with Simon; I'm almost allergic to that song, too. It was okay, but so far this show doesn't feel like the final competition.

If Lee wins, he'll release his version of "Beautiful Day". Really?? Lee, you write your own music. Couldn't you have chosen an original or even an older song or even some obscure song?? He sang it well, and there was a little fire in his belly, but still not what I had hoped for. If he doesn't win, I blame Kara for putting a negative slant on Lee with her comments.

Crystal closed the show with the song she'll release if she wins: "Up to the Mountain". Finally, we see some real desire to win, some real emotion (for only the second time) from this talented girl who has the power to move people but who is so guarded. She got me. That was her moment.

I'm hoping she won over all the little Casey girl-fans who might have voted for Lee. Because, as much as Lee talks about wanting to win, he didn't perform like he wanted to win.

He'll still make music, and he'll have a music career, but Crystal deserves to win this contest.

One of Three Voted Off

Last night's show featured entertainment from Justin Beiber and Travis Garland (who I had never heard of before last night).

Ryan informed us that 47 million votes had been received. Again, obscene. He then sat down with the Final 3 and talked a little with them about how their life is different now from before they auditioned.

This week's Ford Music Video was to "Wild One (Real Wild Child)". Please make a Ford video that's entertaining --- it can't be that hard.

First, we went to Cool, Texas with Casey. Although he was definitely thrilled and a little taken aback at all the hoopla, he was oddly stoic and not emotional at all. That's a first --- even the most "in control" contestants in past seasons has gotten emotional during their hometown visits.

Next, Travis Garland, who was apparently discovered by Perez Hilton, sang "Believe". This is the first guest performance that I've listened to all the way through. I liked this kid's vocals, I liked the Taiko-type drumming and I thought the dancing was innovative and creative.

Next we visited northern Ohio (apparently the armpit of the nation) with Crystal. I expected Crystal to be guarded during her visit, and she seemed to ward off any emotional reactions with humor, but she did break down during her conversation onstage with Ryan. I think being able to go back to this very depressed (and depressing) area and bring a little sunshine was a real honor for her.

Last, we visited Chicago with Lee. After watching him during his hometown visit, I'm really pulling for him to win. He was humbled and visibly emotional during his trip home.

Justin Beiber performed "You Smile" and "Baby". Again, shockingly, I listened to the entire performance. This kid's bubblegum appearance has detracted from his really different, interesting vocals. I'm hoping he'll be able to transition into adult music as he gets older. He ended his second song by jumping in and replacing his drummer. So, he doesn't just sing, he has other talents.

Ryan then brought Lee, Crystal and Casey onstage and quickly let Lee know that he was safe, then almost as quickly let Crystal know she would also participate in the finals.

Casey was sent home. I think he knows he'll be okay and will make just as many records as he would have had he continued on in the competition.

So, now I've switched my allegiance to Lee, and let me tell you why. Crystal will be fine. She would be fine if she did nothing but go back to Ohio, because she's already doing her thing with music albeit on a small scale.

Lee, however, needs this and wants this in such a big way now. So, my vote goes to Lee to win it.

Three Finalists Compete

Having been off work for the past six weeks, I have totally lost track of what day it is. . . and now that I have just one day left before I go back, I've been running around, madly trying to finish all the projects I started so I can feel like I was actually productive. . . which is why I'm just posting my blog about last night's performance show.

As always, I recorded tonight's show, and will watch as soon as I've posted this. I've managed to avoid all internet "spoilers" as to what actually happened tonight, so my prediction (below) is without knowledge of what has already happened.

So, while panning the audience at the beginning of the show, I spotted Colin Hanks and his co-star (who were introduced later in the show). Evidently they were there to promote their new show. I could have sworn that Candace Bergen (Murphy Brown) was also in the audience. Did anyone else see her or was I just imagining things?

Ryan announced that the finals will be held in the Nokia Theatre (we care?).

Casey, Crystal and Lee are our Final Three. They each sang two songs; one that was chosen by them, and one chosen by one or more of the judges.

Casey's choice was "Okay, It's Alright With Me". I agreed with Randy --- it was okay.

Crystal's personal selection was "Come to My Window". It was a predictable song choice, and another solid performance, but nothing that we haven't heard from her before.

Lee's choice for himself was "Simple Man". I personally have never heard this song, but I thought it was a great choice for him and another "classic Lee" performance, although again, nothing we haven't heard from him before.

Casey was shown in Texas at the A.T.& T. store getting a text message from Randy and Kara telling him that they chose "Daughters" for him to sing. I enjoyed his performance a lot and thought it was probably the best he's done so far.

Crystal was then shown in Ohio getting her text message from Ellen. Ellen chose "Maybe I'm Amazed" for Crystal. Excellent song choice ---- it was also a pretty amazing performance. We heard Crystal deliver some vocals that we haven't heard before, although I could tell she wasn't 100% comfortable in doing so.

Lee was shown in Chicago getting his text message from Simon, who chose "Hallelujah" for Lee to sing. I love this song, and, though I was a bit disappointed at hearing it AGAIN this season, Lee delivered what I think was his Idol moment. I was a little nervous that the horns would drown him out, but they didn't. Lee was totally in the song, in the moment and, for the first time, showed everyone that he has what it takes to be the next American Idol.

My choice would be to send Casey home. I'm predicting an upset; I think Casey has a really strong following and I'm afraid Crystal may be going home tonight.

One of Four Voted Off

Okay, so I admit that I've stalled posting my comments about last week's results show. I don't know if I've written this blog for too long, or it's this blah season, or what, but I am pleased to read in entertainment news that the show will be tweaked for next year. Some of the changes: 1/2 hour results show and more performances. The search for Simon's replacement begins in the fall. I'm rooting for Neil Patrick Harris.

Almost 37 million votes were received for last week's results show. Can I just say that's absolutely obscene??

Ryan announced that the show would feature Bon Jovi, Fantasia from Season 3, and Daughtry. Fantasia is one of the few contestants who have given us an "aha" moment; when she sat on the stage, barefoot, in that simple dress and sang "Summertime". Daughtry is another Idol phenomenon; kicked off when there were only 5 contestants remaining. He, also, had an "aha" moment on the show: when he sang "I Walk the Line", changing it up so much I couldn't place the song for the first 45 seconds he was singing. Daughtry proved that it really doesn't matter when you get voted off --- if you've got it, you've got it.

Fantasia appeared first, singing "Bittersweet". I'm admitting right now that I listened for a couple of minutes, then fast-forwarded. It was a typical Fantasia song, nothing I haven't heard before.

Mike, Casey, Lee and Crystal are the Final 4. Their painfully schlocky Ford Music Video was shown, filmed to "Put the Message in the Box".

We were treated to film footage of past "city visits", one of the perks of being in the Final Three. In a little twist to the normal results shows, two family members of each contestant were invited to join them onstage on the couches.

All were asked to stand. Ryan rehashed the performances of Michael and Casey, then Crystal and Lee.

He quickly (and to my surprise) announced that Casey is safe.

And it struck me. I do care. I care about who's going home. I so wanted Michael, Lee and Crystal to be the Final Three. And one of them won't be.

Daughtry performed next, singing "September". Was it my imagination, or was one of the guitars off-key? Comments?

Michael, Lee and Crystal were again brought to center stage. Lee was declared safe.

Bon Jovi was up next, performing "Superman Tonight". I tried, I really tried to listen to them. I just couldn't. The Stones can pull off advanced age and still performing. . . Bon Jovi can not.

Michael and Crystal were again brought to center stage. Crystal was declared safe.

Which means Michael is going home.

I'm sad. He so wanted to be in the Final Three. I blame Kara's careless comments for helping to send Michael home.

Please, universe, find a way for Kara to NOT be on the show next year.

Four Finalists Compete

Okay, here's how it went down. . . I DVR'd the show last night and thought I'd try something different. I decided I'd watch all the performances once, then replay the show taking notes. Unfortunately, after watching the show I didn't have the heart to watch it again. This is the Final Four contestants!! The show should be getting exciting! And what we're seeing is nothing more than we've seen for the entire season.

So, I pretty much forced myself this evening, just about the time the results show started recording on this coast, to watch last night's show again and get this blog posted.

High point: the yummy Taye Diggs was spotted in the audience.

The theme: songs of the movies, the cinema, the silver screen. Jamie Foxx was slated to be the mentor (his second stint, as he mentored last year's contestants, too). Jamie brought each performer two T-shirts: one "contestant" and one "artist". Based on his review of their performance in their session with him, he would reward them with the T-shirt he thought they deserved. The point was to challenge each to do their best.

First off, I have to wonder what kind of crappy songs were on the list that they chose from because, honestly, none of them picked a decent song or even one that was anywhere near what they should have chosen.

Lee chose "Kiss From a Rose". Jamie said that Lee "has to take it from being here, to out here". I couldn't agree more. Jamie awarded Lee an "artist" shirt. Lee's performance was good, as always, but nothing special.

Michael, who revealed to us that last year he made it a goal to get to the Top 3 (a statement that Kara made sure the public would question) chose "Will You Be There". Jamies thought Michael was a "little worried about feeling like maybe, maybe I shouldn't be here" offerred Michael a "contestant" shirt after his run-through. Michael refused it and said he'd be back later for an "artist" shirt. Like Lee's, Michael's performance was good, but not unexpected.

Last night's shows featured duets by the finalists, which turned out to be the high point of the show. Crystal and Lee sang "Falling Slowly", which I've listened to Kris Allen sing, oh, maybe a billion times. They were amazing together, although I disagree with letting any of the performers sing songs that were performed during the season prior.

Casey sang "Mrs. Robinson". Jamie thought he "wasn't focused" and wanted Casey to seduce him. Jamie gave Casey an "artist" shirt, but, again, although there wasn't the excessive vibrato that Casey usually has, the performance was solid, but not exciting.

Crystal's choice was "I'm Alright". Jamie remarked that she should make the audience feel that it's "not just a song, it's a testimony". He gave Crystal an "artist" shirt, too. Her performance was classic Crystal and although she was the only performer that really changed up her song, it was still not an unexpected performance.

Michael and Casey ended the show singing "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman" from quite possibly the worst movie ever made: Don Juan DeMarco. I literally fell asleep during this movie. However, the duet was beautiful, the guitar playing lovely; they sounded really, really good together.

To be honest, based on the performances I don't really care who they send home tonight. I felt that none of the contestants pushed the envelope. They all know they're good and I feel like they're all coasting on their own popularity at this point. However, I feel like people may have taken Michael's comment about his goal to be in the Top 3 the wrong way (helped by Kara's inane remarks) and some of his fan base might desert him.

So, I'm predicting Casey and Michael are in the Bottom 2 and Michael goes home, although my PERSONAL choice is to send Casey home.

One of 5 Voted Off

Last night's results show opened with the usual horrible "flashback" sequence of performances and judges' wise words. I can't tell you how much I hate this addition to this season.

Ryan announced that 32 million votes were received, that Lady Gaga would be appearing and that this week's mentor, Harry Connick, Jr., would also take the stage.

The Top Five lip-synced a medley of Sinatra hits --- a little unflattering that they chose "Lady is a Tramp" to feature Crystal. . . okay, she is technically an unwed mother, but still! I thought it might be an isolated error in judgement, but they also chose "When I Was 17" to feature the 17-year old. . . just sayin'.

Next week's theme: Songs of the Cinema with mentor Jamie Foxx. This ought to be good.

This week's lame Ford music video was to "1, 2, 3, 4". Still lame.

Then we were treated to a video montage of what Tuesday's have come to mean for the Top 5.

Ryan quickly moved toward announcing results when he asked Lee to go to center stage and, after a short review of judges' comments, announced that Lee was safe.

Lady Gaga appeared next, singing her new hit, "Alejandro", after a weird intro of a weird partial rendition of "Bad Romance". I actually like "Bad Romance", but this new song (Alejandro) is bad, just bad. And very reminiscent of Abba's "Fernando". The weird lacy, fishnetty costume with the net hooded cape, complete with matching face mask and odd, Sleeping Beauty-esque overgrown thorn forest decorated piano was just way too over-the-top, even for Gaga. And, what was up with the longline panty girdles on the male dancers??? The performance was half-sung, half spoken. Lady Gaga is better heard and not seen.

We were then truly treated to a closer look at the Top 5's time with Harry. I adore him, so cute, so talented, and funny to boot!!

And, is rendition of "And I Love Her", one of my favorite Beatles' songs, was fab!! Cue dimples!

The Top 5 then lip-synced a medley of Harry's songs and Harry's story about meeting Sinatra was very entertaining, not to mention that he did a spot-on imitation of Sinatra's speaking voice.

Back to results: Crystal was asked to go to the far side of the stage, Michael to the near side of the stage. Then Aaron was asked to join Michael and Casey to join Crystal.

Michael and Aaron were announced to be the Bottom 2; Crystal and Casey joined Lee on the couch.

Aaron was quickly told he was going home and Michael was safe. Video of Aaron's time on the show and one final performance.

I think Aaron has a future in the music industry; he just needs to mature a little and get more comfortable onstage and develop his voice just a little. We'll be hearing from him in the future.

So, here's how the last shows would go if I ran the world: Casey goes home next, then Michael and the Final 2 would be Crystal and Lee. At that point, I don't care who wins, since Michael, Crystal AND Lee will all have great music careers.

Still waiting to be blown away. . .

Five Finalists Compete

Last night's show featured Harry Connick, Jr. as the mentor, and also featured Harry opening the show with the trademark "THIS is American Idol!"

I spotted Anthony Hopkins in the audience.

Ryan shared with us that Harry Connick, Jr. has sold 25 million albums in his career. I'm responsible for one of each of the albums he's sold. We were also informed that Sinatra had entertained audiences for six decades.

Harry not only served as mentor this week, he also did all the song arrangements and orchestrations for each contestant, as well as offering his band and himself to play for each singer.

Nancy and Tina Sinatra were introduced to us and Tina presented Simon (evidentally a huge Sinatra fan) with a hanky that had belonged to the late crooner. Simon promptly unwrapped it and handled it throughout the rest of the show.

Aaron started out the performances singing "Fly Me to the Moon". It was nice, he changed it up a little to make it his own, and he's a really good technical musician, but he doesn't seem like idol material to me.

Casey was next performing "Blue Skies". He started out a little pitchy, and looked a little lost without his guitar; he just seemed more than slightly uncomfortable throughout the performance. Finally, Kara remarked on his vibrato and said he sounded a little like a lamb.

Crystal's choice was "Summer Wind". Apparently this song has some deep connection to her; Harry couldn't figure it out and frankly, she didn't seem that emotional to me. But it was another flawless performance by her.

Michael chose "The Way You Look Tonight". It was good, but I would have liked it better had he sung it as a soft, slow love song to his wife.

Lee closed out the performances with "That's Life". Harry remarked that he thought Lee was a younger, better looking version of himself. Lee's rendition was flawless and just plain fabulous. He seemed to channel his inner Harry. I think Lee has a crush on Harry, as he thanked him twice, complete with a hug each time.

Harry was his usual fabulous, good looking, witty, funny self. Seeing him again took me back to the concert of his I attended several years ago with my daughters. Our seats were SO close to the stage (and he is SO cute) AND when he looks into the audience he looks directly at you, I blushed every time he looked our way --- those eyes!!! And he sounds great, too!

I took a business trip to New Orleans many years ago. On the first night, I had a room at the Fairmont. I remember looking out of my window and seeing a campaign sign for Harry's dad hanging on the balcony across the street. I thought about going across the next day and asking if I could have it. I regret that I didn't.

Looking forward to hearing Harry on the results show!

My prediction for Bottom 2: Aaron and Casey. And I think Casey might go home.