Scotty and Lauren Are In It To Win It

So we're down to Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina. I hope we've got ourselves a horse race. Scotty sure has looked like he's been running away with it for awhile now, but there's still time for Lauren Alaina to pull out all the stops and bring the house down. Now that would be dramatic. Well, now's the time, baby girl.

It's an all country finale. Will it be exciting? Having Carrie Underwood pick a song for Lauren and George Strait pick one for Scotty sounds like a fun idea. Will the non-country fans stay tuned in or change the channel? Oh, c'mon, you've been on the Idol ride for this long, might as well ride it all the way to the end.

And don't forget the new singles. We'll have Scotty loving us this BIG and Lauren singing it like her mama does. And if that doesn't grab you, the Reinharts say to stay tuned on Wednesday for Haley's new single.

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No Nigel, We Are Not Sheep!

Ooh, the Idol voters sure are unpredictable. Wonder what Uncle Nigel thinks of that. No Nigel, we are not sheep! Randy and J Lo's harshness backfired and Team Haley showed its power. A shocker of an elimination with James Durbin getting the Daughtry treatment.

Much to my surprise, in order to make the Top 2 it really will matter how the Top 3 perform. I think anything could happen. If Haley's song spoilers are correct, she will have some challenges but could really hit it big with Led Zep. I'd like to see Scotty and Lauren have their long-awaited "moments" as well. I feel like it's "go big or go home" at this point but that of course could cause a risktaker to "go big AND go home" too, depending on the outcome.

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I Think The Kids Shocked Lady Gaga!

Lady Gaga is used to shocking people. And she herself is likely not easily shocked. But last night I think James, Lauren and Scotty ended up shocking Lady Gaga with their conservative nature. If it wasn't for our little pony, Haley, there wouldn't be much buzz going on about last night's Idol performances.

In today's podcast, I discuss how we are not getting the benefit of those Idol "moments" we were trained to wait for. What's the point of a moment these days? Haley has had two standing ovation, classic Idol moments over the past two weeks. Is she still going home tonite?

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Let's Send The Judges Home

Last night's Then And Now episode of American Idol was so frustrating.  Will the judges' dissing of  Haley Reinhart ever stop?  Yes, it was great to see Haley shut everybody up with her amazing take on "House of the Rising Sun" but really, would it have killed them to have shown her some respect and praised her singing during  her first performance too?

Do you agree that James Durbin keeps getting a pass from the judges?  Was Jacob Lusk successful in his split personality one-man duet?  Has Lauren Alaina found her wings?  Is there any stopping Scotty McCreery?

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Ground Control To Major Tom

During this week's Carole King theme on American Idol, I believe I entered a time warp and may have experienced an altered state of consciousness in which the Idol producers gained control over my mind and I lost all free will. I'm not sure how else to explain how they had me eating out of their hands, not even being bothered by things like the obviously planted audience "boy toy" for Lauren Alaina.

In today's podcast I ask the question "What kind of rocker does James want to be"? I am getting confused. I also discuss how we shouldn't kid ourselves - this is not Jazz Idol and if it were, we'd have a whole slew of different contestants.

I also give you my picks for tonite's Bottom Three.

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I Want To Believe Lauren Alaina Can Fly

After songs of the 21st Century, we found out there was no longer room for Stephano. Who will be the next to go? Scotty continues to look well positioned, despite having chosen a song that Simon would likely have called "old fashioned". American Idol needs to deliver a superstar this season. The show sure is pushing for Lauren Alaina to be a combination of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. But can she do it? Can Lauren deliver a performance that shows us that she can fly?

The person who already has proven to be the comeback kid is Haley Reinhart. Is she competition for Lauren? Is the show trying to make us think Haley isn't doing that well? I discuss the internet theory that Haley may not really have been in the bottom three last week.

And Carole King - who will do well with that theme? Is it make it or break it week for Lauren? Will she fly?

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In a Land Without Judges

In today's podcast, we say goodbye to Paul McDonald. Paul seems like he's going to be just fine. As Paul said, this is a killer platform for him to get out his original music. Not all the American Idol contestants these days really need to be "in it to win it", there is a lot to gain just from the exposure of being on the show. So maybe it's time to really shake up the format of American Idol. I give you my thoughts on a re-worked version of American Idol, where there would be no eliminations and you'd still get to see your favorites every week. Judges optional.

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Same As It Ever Was

The Talking Heads said it best: Same as it ever was. I think that describes the American Idol Rock and Roll Hall of Fame week. We had the same old themes. Then we had the shocking elimination of Pia Toscano, which after I thought about it, did fit into a pattern that we've seen in the past. The far too early elimination of a talented female singer with a mature, adult contemporary R&B flavor and an understated personality (yes, I really liked Latoya London, Melinda Doolittle and Jennifer Hudson too).

In this podcast, I discuss my disappointment over Pia's early exit and why the current voting system leaves me cold. I also question why producer Nigel Lythgoe made public comments which I found to be rather unkind and which only served to highlight the flaws of the American Idol voting system.

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I Guess That's Why They Call It The Save

Last week we had the very exciting elimination show where Casey was saved by the judges. This week I was not as excited by the Elton John theme. On today's podcast, I discuss why "The Save" results in playing it safe. I'm not convinced that the "taming" of Casey is the greatest thing and the drama surrounding "The Save" may have contributed to less risky performances overall.

Is it a singing competition? How do the judges' actions affect that?

Also on today podcast, I discuss how "rock n roll" is treated on American Idol and what I think a contestant needs to do to succeed.

Please click to listen to today's Judging Idol podcast.

A Kinder, Gentler American Idol - Except for Gordon Ramsay!

How did the performers do singing Motown classics?  I think they fell into three groups: 1) those who enhanced their positions, 2) those who came out even and 3) those who didn't really take the opportunity to make their performances improve their positions.  No one was bad but some could have done more to gain new fans.

The judges are treating the contestants kindly this season.  We haven't heard any Simon-like zingers.  I like that the judges are trying at the very least to be polite, respectful and encouraging.  I suppose that's more than I can say about audience member Gordon Ramsay!  Dissing the contestant's mom?!  C'mon, man. 

Please click to listen to this edition of the Judging Idol podcast.

What's Goin' On? Motown Week?

So what's goin' on? Didn't they say there would be no themes like Motown week this season? That we weren't going to force Scotty McCreery to sing something like "Brick House"?!! Well, apparently they've changed their minds cause word on the street is that this week will be Motown week. So get ready, cause here they come.

In this podcast, I review last week's highlight and then give you my picks for the songs that each contestant should sing for Motown week. Please listen to this Motown preview edition of the Judging Idol podcast.

Twitter Watch and Predictions

Last night was the sing a song from your birth year theme. Who fared better? The boys or the girls? I make some guesses about who will be in the Bottom 3 this evening. Did Haley Reinhart's lipstick malfunction make a difference?

Many current and past American Idol contestants are on Twitter. I give you a rundown of some recent Twitter postings from Casey Abrams and Kelly Clarkson, among others.

You can listen to the Judging Idol podcast here.

Idol Is Back, Baby!

Idol is back, baby!  We discuss what's new about American Idol Season 10.  Has Nigel Lythgoe's return been good for the show?  What about the new judges, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler?  And which of the new contestants are leading the pack so far?

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