American Idol: Week Ten; The Top 6 Compete

I was a little thrown last night.

Of all the theme nights I've seen on Idol, I never thought the songs of Shania Twain would make the cut. I mean, granted, I know she's had a successful 15 year career, but really, unless you're a country fan, you maybe heard only her 5-6 most popular hits. Personally, I just don't think her career was long enough or iconic enough to justify dedicating a whole night of performing her songs. But alas, that's what it was last night, and surprisingly, the Top 6 all did pretty well. No one really did horribly, which makes it a tough choice when it comes to who goes home tonight.

I thought Shania was one of the better mentors they've had this season, but come on, who would have been better to guide the contestants on Shania Twain songs, then Shania Twain? The one person that really shone for me last night, is Aaron. Yes, I know, all of you are surprised I didn't say Crystal…who still did well, but Aaron really stood out. They over all did a great job, despite it being country week, which usually ends in disaster in past seasons.
So shall we move onto the individual reviews? Let's begin with someone who doesn't quite fit the country vibe, but managed to rock out Shania. That person being:

1. LEE DEWYZE – sung “You're Still The One” - I liked Lee's performance, but as Randy said, it did start out a bit pitchy. Once he got to the chorus, the song really picked up for me, and you felt Lee's connection to the song. Kara pointed out that he was smiling, which helped showed his emotion. I agree, because when Lee smiles it makes all the difference in his performance. One of the judges pointed out that Lee didn't just do a copycat performance. It sounded like "his" version of the song, and it was just as good as the original. Lee can see the finish line, and he just might be in it. (with Crystal). He doesn't go anywhere this week. SAFE

2. MICHAEL LYNCHE – sung “It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing” - Oh my God, are ballads and slow songs the only songs that Michael knows?! Week after week, it's the same old types of songs over and over again. Of course, he does them extremely well, is well connected to almost every song, and emphasizes the lyrics. But really, another slow song? I was never a big Michael fan, but I started getting on the train when he performed "A Woman's Work". Now I'm officially off the train again, and I'm not getting back on. Why? Because I'm bored. Bored to death with Michael's performances. I get sleepy during his performances. You may argue that his vocals are phenomenal, and I would agree with you. But if you're going to do the same types of songs week to week, then you won't keep people's attention. Because of this, I think he may be in trouble tonight, despite his good performance. IN DANGER

3. CASEY JAMES – sung “Don't” - For the first time since he started, I think I came very close to deciding to download this Casey performance. (I didn't…but came close). I agree with the judges 100%; this was by far Casey's best performance…ever. Not only was it the perfect song choice, he showed a vulnerability I haven't seen before. He didn't over compensate with his guitar, and actually concentrated in the vocals of the song. One of the judges pointed out how it didn't even feel like a Shania song, and I have to agree. It sounded like a song that would be on his album. He made it rock country, and it stood out as one of the better performances of the evening. Still, I think despite an outstanding performance, I think he may wind up in the bottom tonight, because of the fact he was there last week. I don't think in any way he'll be going home, but I think he'll be one of the three. IN DANGER

4. CRYSTAL BOWERSOX – sung “No One Needs To Know" - I find myself agreeing with the judges on this one as well…it wasn't my favorite performance from Crystal. I didn't hate it, and by far, it wasn't a bad performance. It just didn't set with me very well. It was like a piece of candy that you think is going to be really sweet, but turns out to be tart. I admire the fact that Crystal did something different again, and she takes chances. (See Michael? You don't have to do slow songs every single week…take a cue) It's obvious country is not going to be the genre that Crystal would record an album in. But not by a long shot should she be worried. Every artist has an off night, and considering what a ride Crystal has had, this was hers. And might I point out, even on her off night, she still sounded better than past contestants' good nights. No way she goes anywhere this week. SAFE

5. AARON KELLY – sung “You've Got A Way” - Wow, this kid has grown. This was the night of the "best evers", because not only was tonight Casey's best ever performance, but Aaron's as well. It was glaringly obvious this kid was born to sing country, and he was in his element. And how adorable is he saying that he was singing the song to his mom? Kara pointed out how much emotion and depth he showed when singing the song, and I agree. I felt his connection to the song, and the emotion behind it. I think because he was singing to his mom, he felt the emotion more and it came out in his performance. Amazing performance! Normally, I'd have said Aaron would be in trouble tonight, but I think because of this fantastic performance, he's going to be around for at least one more week. SAFE

6. SIOBHAN MAGNUS – sung “Any Man of Mine” - The last 2 weeks I haven’t been blown away by Siobhan like I was when the season started. And though she did much better this week, it still didn't blow me away. she went back to "the scream", and this time I agree with Randy; it really did sound like she was giving birth. It felt forced again, and I think she's starting to rely on it too much. I think she made a good song choice, and I enjoyed the punk/country vibe she placed on the song. But that scream…a bit unnecessary in my opinion. I don't think Shania screamed that note in her song, so it really didn't fit. I think Siobhan has lost some steam over the last few weeks, and even though she regained some this week, I think she may need to worry tonight. IN DANGER

My Bottom Three Picks: How tough is it this week to pick a bottom three?! I think I'm pretty solid with my choices. But though I may be off with one of them (my gut thinks Lee might surprisingly be in the bottom), my choices this week are: Casey James, Siobhan Magnus and Michael Lynche.

My Pick(s) to be Eliminated Tonight: Out of the three I chose, it was easy to pick who would be going home. I think because he has failed (or refused) to do more than slow songs, and really hasn't given us anything different, it's time for Michael Lynche to pack his bags. No save this time, Michael!

So was I right? Was I wrong? With the performances being this good, was I way off in my logic? You guys need to call me out on it! Discuss in the comments below, and take the poll!

Until next week my readers, I bid you farewell for now!!

American Idol - Week Nine - The Top 7 Compete

Okay, it's confession time: I was looking more forward to watching Glee's all Madonna song episode last night than watching Idol. There, I said it.
That aside, I didn't hate this week's crop of songs, but in general, with the exception of maybe Crystal and Lee (who I'm starting to see in the finale), no one really stood out for me. No one else was memorable, and I really didn't see "star quality" in anyone else. My best friend Tom put it best, when he posted "Would Idol just give the friggin' season to Crystal, and be done with it already?" Kidding aside, I'm beginning to agree. Crystal seems to be in a whole other class than the other contestants.

I thought Alicia Keys was a decent "mentor" this week, but I have to question some of the song choices made by the contestants. Really, Siobhan, I understand why you chose the song you did, but being afraid of doing a song, and not having the experience or talent to perform it are 2 different things. Alicia's pointers were valid, but overall I don't think her suggestions could have helped some contestants.

Tonight is a two hour results show, because it's Idol Give Back. Plenty of musical guests on, but I do suggest watching the show about an hour in if you're gonna DVR it, so you can fast forward the musical guests you don't like. At least that's what I do. Heh.

As usual, let's get to the individual performances, starting with this season's eye-candy, that being:

1. CASEY JAMES – sung “Don't Stop” - I think Kara summed up for me what my feelings about Casey are: he's consistently good, but he hasn't been great. He's getting left behind by Lee and Crystal. Though his vocals were pretty good, I think he's making his guitar playing the highlight of his performances, and not his voice. His song choice wasn't really memorable, and as a result, he didn't stick out. Simon called Casey's song choice, and I tend to agree. It was safe, and he didn't really change it up. It sounded almost like the original, and as we've learned on Idol before, copycat performances don't get you very far. I can't believe I'm about to do this, but I think I need to put Casey in the danger zone tonight. IN DANGER

2. LEE DEWYZE – sung “The Boxer” - If I'm going to be honest, I will admit, I knew the song very well, I just never knew the name of it. I always liked this Simon & Garfunkel song, but the title always escaped me. And what a way to find out the title! Simon was 100% right when he said Lee modernized the song, and made it sound fresh and new. It sounded just enough like the original for me to recognize it, but Lee put a great rock vibe to it, and made it sound contemporary. He looked totally confident on stage and throughout his whole performance, I felt he totally connected not only with the song, but the audience as well. Lee has grown so much in the last few weeks that I think I can finally see who is going to be in the finale with Crystal. That's right Lee, it's you. SAFE

3. TIM URBAN – sung “Better Days” - Well, appropriate song choice, since Tim has had "better days" last week. Seems to me though it wasn't terrible, it was definitely a step backward from last week's performance. I could be wrong, but I think Tim went off key a few times, especially in the beginning. It was a bit all over the place for me, and the arrangement was a little weird. Love him or hate him, you have to admit, Tim is one of the more likable hold outs that Idol has had. Hey, he could have been another cocky Sanjaya! Tim takes the judge's comments and suggestions and he runs with it. Even though he has improved immensely over the last 3 weeks, I think last night's performance sort of put him back in the danger zone. Sorry Tim, you might be in trouble. IN DANGER

4. AARON KELLY – sung “I Believe I Can Fly” - Big song Aaron. He pulled it off I think, though it definitely wasn't his best performance. What saved Aaron's performance last night was the second half of the song, which I thought was fantastic. The beginning of the song was "rough", as Randy loves to say, but by the time he got to the middle of the song, his vocals took off. That ending was phenomenal, and you got to give this kid credit for taking on such a big song. It could have gone very badly very quickly, but except for a few stumbles in the beginning, he did a pretty decent job. Aaron is lucky he's cute, because that's what I think will get him through this week. His talent, like Casey's, is getting overshadowed by more experienced performers. I think you might be in the clear this week Aaron, but you need to step it up, or you might be gone next week. SAFE

5. SIOBHAN MAGNUS – sung “When You Believe” - I mentioned it before in the beginning of my blog, and I'll say it again. I understand her reasons for choosing this song. She said she loved the song, and didn't want to be scared of doing it, because of who the artists were. BUT, my issue with that is, just because you like a song, and don't want to be intimidated by the artists who sang it, doesn't mean you have the talent to pull off a good performance of it. Siobhan is good, no question about it, but a Whitney AND Mariah song?! REALLY? Mariah and Whitney alone are what we call "untouchable" artists on Idol, especially if you don't have the talent to give their songs a great performance. Siobhan made a mistake, and she should be thankful her vocals were spot on. It's probably what saved her from being in the bottom three this week. SAFE

6. MICHAEL LYNCHE – sung “Hero” - Yawwwwwn. I'm yawning, so it must mean Michael is performing. Seriously, I know Big Mike has his fans, but must he forever do soft and slow ballads? This was a completely forgettable. YES, as usual his vocals were great. He hit every note and connected with the song. But wow, was I bored. Compared to other performances last night, even Aaron's performance was more exciting. I think Michael has ridden this train as far as it will go. People are starting to see the same old thing from him week after week, and since everyone else is changing their game, Michael is getting left behind. Sorry, Mike, I think you may be in danger tonight. IN DANGER

7. CRYSTAL BOWERSOX – sung “People Get Ready” - Do I really need to review her? Come on, what can I say about Crystal that hasn't been said already. She not only did something different by singing sans instrument (See Michael?), but her performance was so heartfelt, so emotional that it completely blew every other performance out of the water. It was almost appropriate that they ended the night with Crystal, because in a sense, Crystal sort of showed them all "how it's done". Her tearful last note just brought it all home, and brought the performance to a new level. Seriously, not only is she safe, she can pretty much guarantee her finale spot at this point. SAFE

My Bottom Three Picks: I know what you guys are thinking. You're all saying I made some surprising choices for the bottom three this week. Except for Tim, you probably think that both Michael and Casey don't belong there. And heck, you may be right. BUT I was right last week, wasn't I? Makes you think, no? My choices this week: Casey James, Tim Urban and Michael Lynche.

My Pick(s) to be Eliminated Tonight: I want to say right off the bat, I want it to be Tim. I really do. I think he's gone as far as he could go, and it should be Tim going home this week, because the other two are far more talented then he is. But he's not going home yet. I know, I know, but it feels like a "surprising" elimination kind of night. It could go either way, but I'm gonna say of the two remaining, it's Casey James time to finally go home.

What did you guys think this week? Were you bored? Do any of you see finalists at this point? Take the poll below!

Until next week my readers, I bid you farewell for now!!

American Idol: Week Eight; The Top 9 Compete

Did last night's performances leave the King rolling over in his grave?

For the most part, I don't think so. Most of the contestants did a fairly decent job of performing the hits of Elvis. However, at this stage in the competition, is it just me, or should I expect a little more than just "fairly decent jobs" at song performances?
Great job by Adam Lambert as mentor by the way, since something he said to the contestants beforehand struck me. He said, "Who am I to be coaching you, since I'm just starting my career as well?" To me, that showed Adam's humbleness, and showed he was only there to offer his honest suggestions, nothing more.

A note on last week: Boy, I could not have been more off at my bottom three picks! The only one I got right was Andrew, and he didn't go home. I honestly didn't see Michael being up there, but I'm not that surprised. Most of you readers know I never was fully on the Michael train, and I think it comes down to the fact that he bores me. He does the same types of songs week to week. BUT, did he deserve to go home? I would say probably not, but at the same time, I don't think the judges should have used their save already. Seriously, I would put Lee and Casey in front of Michael for talent, and if either of them wind up going home, there is no save to keep them in. And Michael's performance last night yet again left me sleepy. Yes, it was very good, and the vocals were phenomenal, but it didn't excite me at all.

Anyway, let's get to the individual reviews, since that's what most of you want from me anyway. Yeesh, I feel so used. To begin, let's start with the only contestant who has been consistently good from the start, that being:

1. CRYSTAL BOWERSOX – sung “Saved” - She not only put her own spin on it, but it sounded like a song I would hear on the radio today. Granted, one of the judges said this as well, but they couldn't have been more right. I love that she used an electric guitar as opposed to the acoustic she usually uses. This is what I like about Crystal, she constantly changes something week to week, to make her memorable, and her performances fresh. There's no way she's going anywhere for a while. At this point, I see her on the express train to the finale. SAFE

2. ANDREW GARCIA – sung “Hound Dog” - Wow, this was bad. I can totally agree with Simon, who I think is the one that said that in the last few weeks, it's like the coolness has been totally sucked out of Andrew. I really need to agree, because there was nothing redeeming about that performance. The fact that he slowed it down made it worse in my opinion. It was a very bad karaoke version of a classic Elvis tune, and it was sort of all over the place. The whole performance I was thinking, "I can't believe how bad this is, coming from a guy who I thought might have made a comeback recently". Andrew, remember how you were in the bottom three last week? Be prepared to revisit. IN DANGER

3. TIM URBAN – sung “I Can't Help Falling In Love With You” - Oh. My. God. I can't believe I'm about to say this, and please readers, if I'm wrong, call me out on it. Maybe my ears are not what they used to be, because did I just hear a fantastic version of one of my favorite Elvis tunes, by resident comeback kid, Tim Urban? Was that really him? This was one of the most beautiful versions of this song I've heard in a very long time, and the fact that it was sung by Tim, I will never get over. Really? Was it really him? The whole performance came from the heart, and I will say this is the best performance I've seen him do since he first started the competition . This was definitely his "moment", and I don't see the comeback kid going home this week....again!! SAFE

4. LEE DEWYZE – sung “A Little Less Conversation” - I'm starting to like Lee more and more as each week passes. This week's performance I saw him less nervous, more confidant, and even smiling more. (thanks Adam, for telling him that piece of advice) This was a perfect song choice for Lee, but I do understand what Kara was talking about when she said that Lee should have been less "harder" singing the song. Not every song needs to be pelted out in such a gruff manner, and this song could have used a little more vocal finesse. But that is a minor flaw with this otherwise great performance. He'll be around next week. SAFE

5. AARON KELLY – sung “Blue Suede Shoes” - Give Aaron an A for effort. I agreed with Simon when he said the beginning was horrible. When Aaron got to the middle, that's when it started to get good. In all Aaron did a halfway job with this performance. The first half he was pitchy and came off very karaoke and corny. Hear those cheers? Little Aaron has some female fans out there. (and some male ones too, let's not exclude). Tim seems to be the heartthrob this season, but Aaron has his fair share of fans to keep him afloat. I don't think this performance was his swan song home, because I do think he has more talent to show us. But this performance will place him in the bottom this week. IN DANGER

6. SIOBHAN MAGNUS – sung “Suspicious Minds” - Just like Aaron, Siobhan gave a half performance this week. Half was really good, and half was...not so good. I've noticed, as I'm sure many of you have, that Siobhan doesn't do that well when she's singing in her lower register, as the beginning of the song showed. By the time she hit the chorus, we saw the Siobhan we all like. Honestly, I still think it was a bit oversung. Siobhan has too many fans for he to be in danger, so I'm pretty sure she's staying. SAFE

7. MICHAEL LYNCHE – sung “In The Ghetto” - I was boooored. I thought Michael's vocals were spot on, but damn, this made me soooo sleepy. The original wasn't this slow, was it? Because honestly, slowing this song down to a crawl just sort of zoned me out. I found myself getting up for the bathroom, when I should have been riveted to his performance. And all you Michael fans, I'm not showing hate here, because I respect Michael's vocal ability. The guy has a set of pipes equal to the size of his arms. BUT, he needs to start getting me excited, and not put me to sleep. Since he got the save last week, I sincerely don't think he'll be going home this week. SAFE

8. KATIE STEVENS – sung “Baby, What Do You Want Me To Do?” - Strange song choice, but that's only on me. I never heard of this Elvis tune, but Katie did a pretty decent job of it. Her vocals were great, but what stood out for me most is her confidence level. The girl I saw weeks ago wasn't on stage now. Gone were her nerves, and her vocal range shown through on each lyric. Simon thought it was a bit screechy, and I can see parts where he would be right, but for me, most of it was really good. However, like last week, I think all these good performances are sort of "too little, too late" for Katie. There are much more talented contestants who have now surpassed her, so I don't think she's safe, despite a great performance. IN DANGER

9. CASEY JAMES – sung “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” - Yet another Elvis song I've never heard of, but Casey made it sound like it belonged on his album. I can see Casey making it big on the country charts. I'm talking Carrie Underwood big. Simon said because of his song choice, the performance was forgettable. In part, I agree, but Casey made the song his own, and made it sound like it was his song. Honestly, if I heard this on the radio, I wouldn't say, "Hey, who redid that Elvis song?", I would think it was his song. Casey is not going anywhere this week either. SAFE

My Bottom Three Picks: You guys know I'm right not to include Tim in this bottom three right? Come on, give it up for the guy. Give him kudos, because that really was one of the better performances from last night. So who's in danger this week? My choices: Andrew Garcia, Aaron Kelly and Katie Stevens.

My Pick(s) to be Eliminated Tonight: No one went home last week, so that means that of my bottom three picks, only one of them is safe, and the other two go home. Based on performances, popularity, and consistency, I would need to say that it's Andrew Garcia and Katie Stevens time to finally go home. Michael gets a stay of execution, as does Aaron.

What did you guys think? Was I totally wrong about Tim? Did he have one of the best performances? Who had the worst? Take the poll below!

Until next week my readers, I bid you farewell for now!!

American Idol: Week Seven; The Top 9 Compete

The Lennon/McCartney songbook is one of the greatest songbooks in the history of music. I look forward to these nights when Idol allows the contestants to choose songs from this library. Granted, that could either lead to great performances, or absolute disasters.

Thankfully, last night there were no outright disasters, though I have to question some choices. (Bagpipes, Lee? Really?)

Back in season seven, when they last opened up the Lennon/McCartney songbook, there were some great performances. This time, there were just as many, and it will be hard for me to choose a bottom three this week. In fact, I'm pretty sure I may be way off in my choices.

Without further ado, let's jump right in, feet first, into the individual performances, starting with the most adorable contestant, that being:

1. AARON KELLY – sung “Long and Winding Road” - David Archuleta sung this back in season seven, and I'm sorry to say Aaron didn't even come close to how good that was. I love Aaron, but this performance lacked passion and dragged a bit for me. I think the problem was exactly what Randy pointed out; Aaron didn't change it up enough. It sounded to "sound alike", and too slow. I agree with Kara, that Aaron needs to start picking a few more up tempo songs, so know one begins to pigeon hole him into being a "ballad singer". I think he'll become more contemporary, as Simon puts it, and not as "old-fashioned" as he put it. Despite the rough judge's comments, Aaron not going to be in the bottom three. Why? His popularity is growing, as is shown by the loud boos Simon got when he judged him. SAFE

2. KATIE STEVENS – sung “Let It Be” - Surprisingly, I really liked Katie's performance. This is one of my favorite Beatles songs, and she did a pretty decent job of it. (my favorite still remains the version performed in the musical movie, Across the Universe.) I loved her tone throughout the performance, and she added just enough depth and emotion to make it stand out. Most of the judges loved it, and said that this is Katie's best performance in weeks. Though I agree with them 100%, however, it will not be enough. Katie just hasn't made enough of an impression and impact compared to the other contestants, and unfortunately this will lead her to being in the bottom three tonight. Sorry Katie, I wish it wasn't, but I have a strong suspicion it is. IN DANGER

3. ANDREW GARCIA – sung “Can't Buy Me Love” - Meh, I have to agree with Randy on this one; it was sort of corny. The song choice was not as perfect as Ellen pointed out. I don't this it was the right song choice or arrangement, because as Simon pointed out, the band overpowered his vocals. Andrew had a very strong performance last week, but this week came back to a mediocre standing. I'm not quite sure what it is about Andrew that doesn't seem to work. Is it the glasses? Is it the big "Snookie poof" of a hairdo? Whatever it is, he needs to change it fast because there are at least 3 other contestants that not only are outshining and outperforming him, they are fast overtaking him. Believe it or not, I think Andrew might be in trouble tonight. IN DANGER

4. MICHAEL LYNCHE – sung “Eleanor Rigby” - When Michael's performance first started, and he came in with those smooth vocals, my first thought was "wow, this sounds a bit like an R& B song". I was right, because by the middle of the song, I could definitely hear this song on the radio and debuting on the R&B charts. I have to admit, I loved the R&B spin Michael put on this Beatles classic. It was well arranged and well performed. Now, as for Simon saying it sounded a bit like a musical, I sort of agree. Yes, it did sound a bit like a musical version of the song, but Randy is right...that's what's in right now. Glee is hot right now, and it's not because of the cute cast members. (well, partly, but I digress. Also, side note - If you are not watching Glee, you are missing out on one of the best shows on TV). I'm still not on the Michael fan club all the way, but I'm almost there. He's not going anywhere this week. SAFE

5. CRYSTAL BOWERSOX – sung “Come Together” - I could have sworn Crystal would have chosen a different song. Not that she didn't sound great, but I thought this was more of a Lee Dewyze song. And ironically, Lee's song choice sounded more like a Crystal song. Shows what little I know, because they both did amazing jobs with their respective choices. I agree with Randy when he said this wasn't Crystal's strongest performance, but by far it showed her range and vocal skills. I know I can't stop spouting my love for "Mama sox", but honestly, with the exception of Casey, Lee and maybe Michael, no one is even coming close to slowing this girl's ride to the finale. Totally here next week. SAFE

6. TIM URBAN – sung “All My Loving” - I can't believe I'm going to say this, and I know what you're all thinking when I say this...but I actually enjoyed Tim's performance. Okay, after you stop throwing things at the computer screen, just remember I need to be unbiased. And I've always said, I don't hate Tim (like I hated Sanjaya, back in the day). Tim seems to honestly be trying and he really does take a beating week after week. Despite that, he smiles through it, which, instead of coming off arrogant, comes off as charming. Tim may not be the best performer, but he is probably the most charming. this was a cute version of the song, but it was by no means a song from a star. To me, it sounded very "wedding singer", but what sold the performance more was his charm. I agree with Simon, that considering his past three performances, this was by far his best one. BUT...it will not stop him from being in the bottom three. I know he did well, but being in the bottom three for 3 weeks in a row will pretty much guarantee his spot there this week. But will he go home? IN DANGER

7. CASEY JAMES – sung “Jealous Guy” - I loved, loved this performance. It was heartfelt, emotional, and it showed Casey can be more than just this "rocker country dude". Seriously, I loved it so much, I'm probably going to download it. It was that good. This was definitely Casey's best performance since...well, since I first saw him. His vocals were spot on, and like Kara said, it showed a vulnerability that helped put a great emotional spin on his entire performance. I could actually hear this version of the song playing as the background song to a scene in a love story. Casey just cemented his spot this week, and I can see him going pretty far now. SAFE

8. SIOBHAN MAGNUS – sung “Across The Universe” - This was different from Siobhan, but it is what I wanted. I didn't want the "scream" this time, and Siobhan obliged by giving a tender, soft version of another of my favorite Beatles songs. I don't know what Kara is talking about when she said that she was confused after her performance. I think it's pretty clear Siobhan wanted people to see how versatile she is, and though it did have a few pitch problems in the beginning, by the time she got to the chorus, it sounded fantastic. I think this was a very strong performance by Siobhan, and made it clear she is a force to be reckoned with. I don't think she needs to worry tonight. SAFE

9. LEE DEWYZE – sung “Hey Jude” - Okay, though the bagpipes did sound good with Lee's performance, really, did he actually have to bring the bagpipe guy out on stage with him? Simon was right, it was very distracting. I was full on listening to Lee's vocals on yet another of my favorite Beatles tunes, until that bagpipe guy showed up. At that point, I stopped listening and was distracted, wondering "what is he doing there? what gives? why is he out there?" Kara is right, Lee is looking more comfortable on stage then I've seen in weeks, but the bagpipe idea is sort of a mixed bag for me; bagpipe sounds was a plus, having the guy come on stage with him, minus. Regardless, overall this was a great performance, so I doubt Lee is going anywhere this week. SAFE

My Bottom Three Picks: I can't believe I had such a hard time this week choosing my bottom three picks, and even as I begin to end this week's blog, I have to admit, I could be waaaay off in my choices. But, I will stick with my choices and my reasons for them, and they are: Andrew Garcia, Tim Urban and Katie Stevens.

My Pick to be Eliminated Tonight: Dear readers, don't think me crazy. Don't think me losing my mind. But despite needing to go home weeks ago, I don't think Tim is going anywhere this week. Yes, I know, I feel your pain, but I think I'm right. So who goes home? I want to say Katie Stevens, but I think tonight will be one of those surprise eliminations, and Andrew Garcia will go home. BUT...here's the twist...if he does get eliminated, don't be surprised if the judges utilize their "Judge's Save".

So what did you guys think? You guys aren't as chatty in the comments area as in past seasons. Are you guys that bored with this season? One of my readers outright told me she isn't watching, and only gets her updates until the finale from reading my blog. Ha!

Don't forget to take the poll below!

Until next week my readers, I bid you farewell for now!!