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.

Please click to listen to the podcast here.