One of 7 Voted Off

Again, America shows where Idol ranks in our lives by casting 52 million votes.

Ryan announces that Katy Perry and David Cook will be on tonight's show. I'm excited to see both. Can't wait to hear Katy's new single, and it's been a while since I've seen David Cook.

Lauren, Haley, Stefano, and Jacob start off the show by singing Train's "Hey Soul Sister". It's downright painful.

GAHHHH, another Ford music video. . .

Scotty, Casey, and James sing Cold Play's "Viva la Vida". Wow! Scotty can sing something other than country. He sounds great! I'm hoping he gets the chance to take a chance and sing a non-country song in the upcoming weeks. They should really encouage that.

Casey and Jacob are called to center stage. Casey is safe and Jacob is in the Bottom Three.

David Cook sings his new single "With a Last Goodbye". I haven't read anything about him, but he looks like he can really relate to the lyrics. He looks sad and serious.

Lauren, James, and Stefano are called to center stage. Stefano is in the Bottom Three and both Lauren and James are safe.

Haley and Scotty are called out next. Scotty is safe, and Haley is in the Bottom Three.

Haley is told she is safe.

Katy Perry sings her new single "E.T." She looks like she borrowed wardrobe from Lady Gaga and her new song is horrible. I absolutely hate it and can't believe I was singing along with her on the radio just this morning. Awful!

Ryan brings Jacob and Stefano out and, after some discussion and chit chat, tells us that Stefano is going home.

Seven Finalists Compete

Tonight's show will feature Music of the 21st Century (a.k.a. the last 10 years).

The other six of the Top 13 sing Pink's "I'm a Rock Star". It's cute, but you can hear why they aren't on the show anymore. It's pretty shaky, but they're having fun.

Scotty sings Leann Rimes "Swingin'". I love this kid. He's such a kid, then he starts singing and he looks and sounds like he's been performing for years. The judges expected more. I hate it when they make me feel like they're trying to sway the voters.

James chooses "Uprising" by Muse. This is one of my current favorites. It's played (often) in my car (loud). Nice! You rock, James!

Haley's choice is "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele. I liked her take on it, but thought there were a couple of pitch problems. Then I realize it's been a couple of weeks since I've heard the judges say anything about pitchiness. Hmmm, this doesn't bode well for Haley.

Jacob sings "Dance with my Father" by Luther Van Dross. I found it an odd choice, since it has spent so much time as the "Father/Daughter" dance song at weddings. He has a rough start, and you can tell he's pretty emotional, but I still felt his performance was missing something.

Casey chooses Maroon 5's "Harder to Breathe". Wow! He just trounced James' performance!

Stefano's song choice is NeYo's "Closer". He sounds a little whiny to me and I don't think it's his best performance, but the judgs loved it. Go figure.

Lauren sings "Born to Fly" by Sarah Evans. It's okay, it's a pretty safe choice, but it's not outstanding. This time the judges agree with me.

I predict Haley, Jacob, and Stefano will be in the Bottom Three, and I'm afraid Jacob might be sent home.

One of 8 Voted Off

Over 53 million people cast Idol votes last night --- what is wrong with our country???

Jason Aldene and Kelly Clarkson will be singing on tonight's show, as well as Rhianna, anna, anna.

Lauren and Scotty sing Lady Antebellum's "American Honey". There voices blend so well, and they look so cute together, but it's definitely not as polished a performance as we see on competition nights.

After watching a preview of the zombie activity, we get to see the Ford music video with a zombie theme. Looks like the kids had fun!

Haley and Casey are next, singing"Moanin'" These two make great duet partners and really give a competition worthy performance.

Haley, Casey, Lauren, and Scotty are called to center stage. Scotty is declared safe, then Lauren. Ryan tells Haley she's in the Bottom Three (again) and sends Casey back to the couch and safety.

Next we watch Rob Reiner give some mildly amusing survival advice to our young contestants.

Jason Aldene and Kelly Clarkson sing their new single "Don't You Wanna Stay". Jason's not the best live performer and Kelly really, really outperforms him. She shows us exactly why she won her season.

Jacob, Paul, Stefano, and James sing a medley of Simon and Garfunkel's "Sounds of Silence" and "Mrs. Robinson" from the movie "Mrs. Robinson". It's okay. The harmony is a little wobbly but they're having fun.

Ryan tells James he's safe, then lets Stefano know he's in the Bottom Three. He then tells Paul is is also in the Bottom Three and Jacob is safe.

Chaka Khan and Anita Baker are in the hizzy!

Rhianna sings her new single "California Kingbed". I'm wondering how someone can hope to have a hit single by that name, then remember her infamous "Umbrella". Maybe she's going through the house item by item. (Can you tell I'm not a huge Rhianna fan?) It's just so-so for me.

Paul, Haley, and Stefano are called to center stage. Ryan tells Haley she's safe, then tells us that Paul is leaving and Stefano is safe.

There's a lot of bleeped out snippets. Should Paul have gone home? He's not the worst of the bunch. But at this point, it doesn't really matter. They're all good, they all deserve to win.

8 Finalists Compete

This week's show is: Music from the Movies. Looking back over my notes, I realize I can't identify even one of the movies, although I know all the songs.

Paul started the show by singing "Old Time Rock 'n Roll" by Bob Seeger. He's funky, he's cool, and his performances are always joyous! I get uplifted watching him sing, because you can tell how much this kid loves to sing.

Lauren sings "It's the Climb" by Miley Cyrus. She pulls off an amazing rendition and truly stole the song from Miley.

Stefano sings "End of the Road" by Boyz 2 Men. I think he did a great job with this song and really connected to the audience and to me.

Scotty chose "I Cross My Heart" by George Strait. His performance is sweet and touching.

Casey was warned against his choice for the night, "Nature Boy" by Nat King Cole. But Casey knows Casey, so he sings it and BOOM --- that's an Idol Moment right there!

Haley's song choice is "Call Me" by Blondie. It probably doesn't help that it's one of my least favorite songs, but it's also a really rough performance.

Oddly enough, just after that they show that Elvira's in the house. What does that mean?

Jacob chooses Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Trouble Waters". It's a pretty rough start, but he closes with a great finish.

James brings heavy metal to the Idol stage in more ways than one with Sammy Hagar's "Heavy Metal". I must correct myself. THAT was the Idol Moment! Damn James!

I predict Stefano, Haley, and Jacob will be in the Bottom Three and that Haley will be sent home.

One of 9 Voted Off

Ryan announces that Constantine Maroulis will appear on tonight’s show. He’s actually appearing in "Rock of Ages" in San Francisco right now; I happened to hear an interview with him on my favorite radio station (Alice radio) the other morning.

Ryan also tells us that Iggy Pop is in the house and will be performing later in the show. Tonight’s dreaded/dreadful group sing is a rock ‘n roll medley --- just as awful as every other group sing has been.

We view another unforgettable Ford video, then get to see a video of the surprise charisma coach this week --- Russell Brand.

Casey, Stefano, and Lauren are called to center stage. Lauren is safe. Casey is safe, and Stefano is in the Bottom Three.

Constantine comes out to sing "Unchained Melody". I’m thinking I’m going to like it, because the arrangement is really different, but it’s just awful. I start to fast-forward, then feel as if I didn’t give it a chance, watch a few more seconds, then decide I was right and fast-forward to the end of the song. It’s hard to believe from this performance that he was nominated for a Tony.

Gwen Stefani was the stylist for the girls on last night’s show. We get to see an awkward clip of them interacting. Gwen picked outfits for them, and the girls ended up wearing what they felt comfortable in.

Paul, Scotty, and Pia are called to center stage. Scotty is safe. Paul is safe, and Pia is in the Bottom Three.

Next up is a clip of the contestants getting media training from the staff at TMZ. Jacob asks if one of the female TMZ staff is single --- who is he trying to kid??

James, Haley, and Jacob are called to center stage. James is safe. Haley is safe, and Jacob is in the Bottom Three.

So, tonight’s Bottom Three are: Jacob, Pia, and Stefano. I’m two for three.

Iggy Pop performs shirtless. He’s such a weird weirdo --- I think you have to be very drunk, very high, or just insane to think he’s entertaining!

Jacob, Stefano, and Pia are called to center stage. Jacob is safe. Pia is going home, and Stefano is safe.

There’s a lot of booing, Jennifer Lopez is visibly moved, and everyone seems upset. And, even though it seems as if Pia shouldn’t be going home this week -- that perhaps someone else should have been voted off -- let’s face it! From here on out, it’s going to be very, very hard seeing ANY of these kids go home. They’re all that good.

Sure, maybe it would have been easier to see Jacob or Stefano go home instead, but we’re quickly reaching that point where they’re all going to be equally talented, and the choices will be impossible ones.

Nine Finalists Compete

Ryan begins by telling us that tonight’s show will be 90 minutes long and that Gwen Stefani has been the stylist this week. It’s Rock ‘n Roll week!

Will I. Am is the coach this week.

Jacob starts out the show. His initial song choice was Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get it On”, but he feels like the song represents something he doesn’t endorse, so he chooses “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson. He starts singing and immediately pulls out his ear-mounted audio “helper”. It’s not a good sign, but he manages to be restrained and refined during this performance, and doesn’t go wild.

Haley chooses “Piece of My Heart” by Janis Joplin. It’s a great song choice, a horrible outfit, and her high-stepping around the stage is awful.

Casey also changes song this week. He chooses “Every Little Thing She Does” by Sting, then decides on Creedence Clearwater’s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” It’s a good decision --- he changes it up a bit, puts his stamp on it, and shows a softer side.

Lauren sings Aretha Franklin’s “Natural Woman”. She’s much less country-sounding this week and gives the song a real R&B feeling. I think it’s a terrific rendition, but Randy says he’s heard better versions of this song on this very stage.

“While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by George Harrison is James’ choice of song. It showcases his really sweet, pure vocals and he gives is a bangin’ ending.

Scotty’s already confessed he’s an Elvis fan, so it’s no surprise that he chooses “That’s All Right, Mama”. He sings it like seasoned performer.

Christian Slater is in the audience with his daughter, a big fan. He talks a little about his new show.

Pia chooses “River Deep, Mountain High” by Tina Turner in an attempt to show us that she can sing something other than ballads. It’s a really outstanding performance.

Ryan points out that Todd Rundgren is in the audience.

Stefano is up next singing “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge. He really connects emotionally with the audience tonight.

Paul wraps up the show with Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues”. It’s an amazing performance --- he really gets the audience moving!

My prediction is that Jacob, Haley, and Stefano will be in the Bottom Three tomorrow night and that Jacob will go home.

Two of Eleven Voted Off

Ryan announces that over 55 million votes were received. That’s a little disgusting.

Fantasia, Jamie Foxx and Will I. Am are appearing on tonight’s show.

This week’s group sing is duets, trios, and quartets. Lauren and Scotty sing "I Told You So’. They’re really cute together!

Lauren and Scotty are called to center stage, and both are safe.

Next up is the forgettable Ford music video.

Naima and Jacob sing "Solid". When they’re summoned to center stage, Naima is told she’s in the Bottom Three and Jacob is safe.

Fantasia performs "Collard Greens and Cornbread", her new single. I think it might also be the main staple of her diet these days, as she’s packed on about 90 pounds since I last saw her. Perhaps in a quest to have us believe that she’s having more fun, she’s also gone blonde. Blonde and buxom, but she still sounds good.

Haley, Pia, and Thia sing "Teenaged Dream". Pia is safe, Thia is in the Bottom Three, and Haley is safe.

Paul, Stefano, James, and Casey sing "Band on the Run". Casey is safe and James is safe, leaving Stefano and Paul on stage. Paul is in the Bottom Three, and Stefano is safe.

Jamie Foxx and Will I. Am are out next, singing their single from the new movie "Rio". It’s horrible. I’ve never heard Jamie Foxx sound bad, but it’s just awful.

The Bottom Three - Paul, Thia, and Naima - are called to center stage again. Paul is safe, and Naima and Thia are going home.

Eleven Finalists Compete. . . Again

Tonight’s music is Elton John songs.

First, we’re treated to video from Entertainment Weekly’s photo shoot.

Scotty’s up first; his song choice is “Country Comfort”. He literally chose this song because it has “country” in the song title. And, while he’s singing, I can’t stop thinking how I cannot believe this kid is only 17. He has an understated confidence when he sings, it’s unbelievable.

Naima chooses “I’m Still Standing” reggae-style. She pulls it off. . . barey.

Ryan announces Coca Cola’s “Perfect Harmony”, where you can submit your own song lyrics to help get this year’s American Idol song written.

Paul sings “Rocket Man”. It’s okay, but it’s not my favorite performance by him.

Pia’s choice is “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”. It’s flawless.

Stefan sings “Tiny Dancer”. I like his phrasing and his unique sound.

Howie Mandell is in the audience. He’s Stefano’s dad’s clone.

Lauren sings “Candle in the Wind”. She knocks it out of the park!

James chooses “Saturday Night’s All Right”. All I can say is “wow”.

Thia’s song choice is “Daniel”. She’s trying to connect with the audience, and she sings it beautifully.

Casey chooses “Your Song”. I think he had a “moment”.

Jacob sings “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word”. It brought me to tears.

Haley chooses “Benny and the Jets”. She’s better tonight, but still awkward, but really different (good) at the same time.

I’m predicting Naima, Thia, and Haley will be in the Bottom Three and that Naima will go home.

Shock of the Season

Ryan opened the show by telling us that more than 30 million votes were cast and that the outcome may be shocking.

Sugarland and Jennifer Hudson are scheduled to be on the show and Ryan reminds us that the Final 10 will be going on the Summer Tour.

Mark Anthony lent a hand by mentoring the contestants this past week.

The dreaded/dreadful group sing this week is “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. As the song ends, the doors open and Stevie Wonder begins singing “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”, then launches into “Happy Birthday” in honor of Steven Tyler’s special day.

Then Ryan gets right to the results. Lauren, Pia, and Scotty are called to center stage, and all three are safe and going on tour.

Sugarland sings “Stuck Like Glue”. I’m not sure what was worse, the horribly unflattering green pants with the pink/red jacket, or the song.

Next up are video clips of the contestants talking about all the wrestling activities that go on in the house. Jacob is the only one who’s total clueless about this “sport”.

James and Paul are called to center stage next. Ryan says they’re both not safe, really not safe, and in comes Hulk Hogan.

James almost wets his pants, then Hulk says they’re both safe and going on tour. After the break, Ryan tosses Hulk’s shirt to James, who looks like he’s won the lottery.

Jacob, Thia, and Stefano are called to center stage next.

Jacob is safe. Thia is in the Bottom Three. And Stefano is also in the Bottom Three.

Naima, Haley, and Casey are called to center stage next. Naime is safe and going on tour, Casey is in the Bottom Three, which also means Haley is safe and going on tour. Casey’s landing in the Bottom Three is met with boos from the audience.

Jennifer Hudson is up next, singing her new single “Where You At?” The lyrics are heartfelt, the there’s something awkward about hearing her strong, dramatic voice singing the line “Where you at?”

Casey, Stefano, and Thia are the Bottom Three. Ryan tells Thia she’s safe and going on tour. That leaves Stefano and Casey at center stage. Ryan announces that Casey is in danger and Stefano is safe.

The judges are stunned.

Ryan gives Casey the mic, the music starts, he sings two lines and the judges interrupt, asking him to stop. Casey’s obviously thinking he’s doomed if the judges don’t even want to hear him sing, but they announce that they’re using the only “save” of the season.

Casey almost collapses, the censor spends the next four minutes attempting to bleep out every bleepable phrase that comes out of Casey’s mouth (and Casey uses them all). There’s more bleeping going on than on the MTV movie awards!

Jennifer tells Casey to “let the people feel your soul”.

Ryan reminds us all that, because of the use of the save, two people will go home next week.

He also says that the Top 10 will NOT go on tour --- it will be the Top 11. So, no matter what happens next week, these eleven contestants will be touring the nation this summer.