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.