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.