It has been an interesting ride this season of American Idol, and I’ve been considering how biased the judges seem this season. It is obvious they love Adam Lambert and even Simon Cowell has proclaimed that Adam will be the winner this season. In season’s past, the judges have seemed to have their favorites, but not to the detriment of other contestants.

A few observations.

1) Simon chose an amazing song from U2 for Adam to sing (whereas the song chosen by Paula for Danny was almost completely unknown and did not showcase his voice, and the song for Kris was just a copy of the original).

2) Adam Lambert has gone last (prime performing spot) more than any of the other contestants remaining — and he went last again tonight.

3) Adam has been given extra spotlights on entrances and staging (example: the red lit staircase from last week).

4) This is the first time in American Idol history (at least that I can recall) that Simon has actually urged viewers to vote for a specific contestant – Adam Lambert.

5) Simon helped get Adam a specific arrangement for the U2 song tonight, and accused Randy and Kara of not giving Kris an arrangement that would spotlight his voice. Both Randy and Kara proclaimed they didn’t know they were allowed to do that….

6) Tonight specifically the judges were very distracting after performances by both Kris and Danny… arguing, teasing, Simon covering Paula’s mouth so she couldn’t speak… and yet no distractions just rave reviews after Adam’s performances.

Hmmm… not biased at all. What do you think?

It will be interesting to see if America follows the preferences of the judges, or select one of the other contestants as the winner. At this point, I don’t think it really matters who wins. They will all have careers in the music industry. Obviously the winner will be “owned” by American Idol for the first year of their contract and will have tremendous obligations to go on the circuit and be involved in loads of travel. The runner up will have to go on the American Idol tour, but may end up having more opportunities to record their album and even get it released before the winner does.

Here is a recap of the show tonight along with random musings. I’ve been accused of being an Adam hater / Danny lover… well, I do like Danny. I like Kris too. I think Adam is really talented, but I really do not enjoy his singing style – it doesn’t mean I hate him – I just don’t like Rock music… if you’re a rocker fan, you probably love Adam. It comes down to personal taste…. to each his own — and to the Anonymous reader out there who keeps submitting hate comments claiming that I am not allowed to have my opinion… well… I say… thanks for sharing yours. :) It would be my preference that Adam go home this week… so I don’t have to fast-forward any more performances… but hey, that’s just me.

Danny Gokey Well Paula selected a song called “Dance Little Sister” by Terrance Trent Darby.. who? What? I’ve never heard of the song, and apparently most of America hasn’t either. Wow. It seems that it was not a song selected to showcase Danny very well, there was even a sax solo in the middle… strange. I thought he performed fairly well but it was not a favorite of mine. Kara and Simon criticized Danny’s dancing even though Simon reiterated that this is a singing competition and said that the vocals were very very good. Simon agreed with me that the song was the wrong song choice. It would be interesting if America could vote on the song they wanted their favorite contestant to sing – rather than the judges. The judges could pick 3 or 4 song choices and America could vote. I like that idea… what do you think?

Kris Allen. Kara and Randy chose “Apologize” by One Republic for Kris. I was excited because I love the song and thought he’d do a great job. I liked that he was behind the piano, and he did a respectable job but I didn’t think he made it his own. Kara agreed that he didn’t make it his own. Then the arguing between the judges began…

Adam Lambert Simon selected “One” by U2 for Adam to perform. I have to say that I loved Adam’s first outfit — jeans, a denim/casual shirt. He looked great and I like that look on him better than the black rocker and pushing boundaries outfits he has worn in the past. I did like the first half until Adam hit the high notes and started his rocking screaming style. Then I have to admit I fast-forwarded the rest of the song. Simon patted himself on the back claiming it was a brilliant song choice, and a brilliant performance. “If you’re not in the final next week it will be the greatest upset in this competition.”

Danny Gokey. Danny’s second song choice was “You are so Beautiful to Me” by Joe Cocker. I really loved the arrangement and thought Danny performed it beautifully. Randy “You’re here because you can really, Really, REALLY sing!” Kara “That was stunning!” Paula “You left us all breathless”. Simon “I would call that a vocal master class.” So all of the judges enjoyed the performance. I think the only problem with a ballad is that it does not get people to spontaneously jump to their feet. It was beautiful, but will people be moved by it so much that it will convert to votes? I guess we’ll see.

Kris Allen. “Heartless” by Kanye West. Wow, Kris was very brave to sing part accapella and then with not accompaniment except his guitar. He did a great job – but I think the same as Danny’s last song — will people vote? Did it make enough of an impact? Randy “I like that better than the original.” Kara “it was bold, brave and fearless.” Simon “I had written you out after your first performance, but that changed after this performance.”

Adam Lambert. Aerosmith song (I didn’t catch the name). Obviously a very rocker song – which I couldn’t get through. But the crowd seemed to love it – and it was what the end of the competition needed – something to leave the crowd screaming and excited. Randy “You’re one of the best that we’ve ever had on this stage.” Kara “We’ll see you at the finals.” Simon “It’s very easy to assume that you’re going to sail through… Everyone should vote for you, and not assume.”

Now that we’re getting to the end of American Idol.. I’m getting excited for So You Think You Can Dance… (actually I like So You Think You Can Dance better than American Idol — gasp!)

So I’ve predicted a few weeks ago based on Twitter traffic that Adam Lambert would win. I do think both Kris Allen and Danny Gokey have a chance — in year’s past the “rocker” has not gone through to the finals (seeming that America prefers the country or pop contestants), but this year may be different … only time will tell.