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.