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It seems that this season of American Idol is all about the judges so far… what will Steven Tyler say that gets bleeped? Will he flirt or be suggestive with female contestants? Will JLo act like a Diva? She hasn’t so far but the rumors behind the scenes are that she’s not happy with Steven Tyler getting more attention than she does. Is Randy Jackson really irritated that he’s being compared to Simon Cowell this season? Who knows… but I do have to say that I’m anxious to move on from the spotlights on the judges and get to more about the contestants.

Apparently, the producers of American Idol seemed to think we needed more fun and more spotlights on the contestants, because tonight’s episode brought in more humor and family members than I remember from previous seasons at this stage.

Texas brought out some great talent, and a few standouts.

I could be wrong … but I think this is the first time a contestant’s family member was invited to join the judges at the judges table and provide feedback after the audition. Corey Levoy from Longview, TX did a great job and his sister Brooks offered up a “heck yes” to sending him to Hollywood. The judges all agreed and Corey ended up getting 4 “Heck yeses”. I loved the chemistry between the judges and their responses to contestants tonight.

Seventeen year old Hollie Cavanagh didn’t do as well – her rendition of “At Last” was all over the place. Randy said no immediately but Jennifer Lopez gave her another chance and asked if she could sing something else. Her second song was much better but she couldn’t get through the tears. I thought it was sweet they would give her a shot at Hollywood, but at such a young age, and being so emotional I worry that she will get stomped on in Hollywood. It’s a huge chance for her and I hope she can get over her nerves and do well. Only time will tell. My initial reaction is that we won’t see much of her during Hollywood week and she will go home early.

My favorite of the evening was adorable cowboy John Wayne Schulz. I’m a wantin’ me a cowboy now! I loved his dad – reminded me of my farmer uncles – good hearted, good-humored, hard-working, salt of the earth man. My favorite part of the show was when they talked about wanting a rough and tough son – which is why they named their son John Wayne. Ryan Seacrest joked that “it would have really sucked if I had been your son” and the dad fired right back “No, you wouldn’t be the way you are right now, my friend.” Totally funny. Loved the whole family! And John Wayne Schulz can sing! I predict he’s going to do very well in American Idol – he’s so likable – and darling. He’s a little young for me, but I have a few nieces I’d like to set him up with… very cute guy. And my second favorite part of the night was after he was told he was going to Hollywood – his mom’s first response was “Where do we get his golden ticket?” So cute.

Of course, there was also the funny moment with Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson on Day 2 in Texas. Steven was asked if he was nervous doing American Idol, and he responded “You bet your bootie… and talking about Jennifer anyway…” He really is quite funny.

The spotlight on Courtney Penry was really humorous. She went on and on about wanting to meet Ryan and wanting to impress him. “Ryan Seacrest is the sexiest man alive… He’s amazing… I’ve been dreaming about this day forever. I will marry him someday…” The editing was spot on. When meeting Ryan for the first time she began crying, Ryan said: “Are you alright?” She responded “I’m just so excited to meet you.” Ryan sat down and replied, “You’re not crying because you’re meeting me… ” She nodded, and he seemed really surprised, “Really? … uh, Thank you.” The music of Lionel Richie in the background swelled as the two hugged. But then it got a bit stalkerish when they edited in a previous interview where Courtney got wild-eyed and proclaimed, “Ryan Seacrest will be mine someday. You know you love me. Because I love you and I’ve loved you forever.” Yikes, a bit too much – but really edited well.

There were quite a few other contestants who did well in Texas, as well as a cute couple from Scottsdale Arizona – but they made such a cheesy show of their “love story” I wasn’t really all that impressed by their auditions – a little too much of the over-the-top gazing into each others’ eyes and running through the fields for me, but they did well and I was at least glad that they didn’t get split up and both are headed to Hollywood.

Janelle Arthur from Tennessee was another of my favorites. Her voice was pleasing and pure. She’s gorgeous and I think she’ll be compared to  Carrie Underwood this season.

But then, of course, things got weird at American Idol. Line dancing, mascot costume (Armadillo), off key warblings, strange angel-slash-viking girl, Randy commenting and making it clear that he was not having any sympathy for the non-talented.

Typically saving the best for last, I was excited to see who they would bring up – Casey Abrams (the Seth Rogan look-alike), totally blew me away. I was kind of scared at first, not knowing what to expect, but he was awesome! I like him a lot and he’s one I will remember for sure. The judges didn’t even need to discuss, all together they shouted “Yes!” and the party began.

Yet another episode of American Idol has come and gone – but it’s brought me even more excitement – as well as more fun than I remember from season’s past. I love, love, love the way they are handling this season – lots of fun, not as much “making-fun” of people, and some great talent. What do you think about the season so far?

Related articles

• American Idol | That’s The Big Apology? Seriously? (americanidolchitchat.blogspot.com)
• ‘American Idol’ producers issuing an apology for Steven Tyler’s ‘outrageous behavior’ (popwatch.ew.com)
• American Idol: Ryan Seacrest Finally Gets Some Love (eonline.com)
• ‘American Idol’ feels like the first season all over again (hollywoodnews.com)

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Reports keep coming in confirming Jennifer Lopez (J-Lo) and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith fame as the new judges on American Idol. Honestly I don’t mind that Jennifer Lopez would be joining the team – I think she’ll be honest and yet have a good sense of humor. I would have loved to see her bantering with Simon Cowell but alas, he will not be there.

But my personal hesitation comes from the announcement that Steven Tyler will be a judge. First, I just think he’s a bit creepy (no offense to all those who love him) and doesn’t seem to represent the “good mainstream clean-cut American Idol” image. Of course, Adam Lambert didn’t represent that “image” either – but I believe that a judge should be more representative of the show image. If this were “rock idol” then Tyler would be a good fit.  I just am not sure he will be a good addition or if his behavior will make him a distraction rather than an asset. I guess we’ll just have to watch to find out.

Anyone else want to weigh in?

Are you happy or unhappy about the choices for the new American Idol Judges?

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• J.Lo Reportedly Signs On For ‘Idol’ (omg.yahoo.com)
• Steven Tyler Confirms American Idol Judge Rumor (movers.net)

I think the announcement of who will be replacing Simon will either make or break the future of the show.

But now on to tonight’s performances. Who do you think will win American Idol this season?

Let’s begin with Casey James – he sang “It’s alright with me”. Ah, not a great choice. Kind of a one sentence, one grove song without a big moment, without that emotional showcase, and really without much excitement. I think Casey came out of the gate as a fan favorite, but as the season has progressed he seems to have floundered and lost a bit of his confidence and coolness. I think once he was in the bottom two that was the turning point for him and he hasn’t quite gotten it back. But … with that being said, he has a big enough fan base that even if he doesn’t make it into the top 2 – he will do fine and I expect to see an album fairly quickly from him. The judges agreed and said he needed to “blow us away”, but it didn’t do that. Simon said “that song will leave no lasting effect” and a “dud song choice, but you sounded good”. Comparing the song to a salad in a meal – hoping that something more substantial is coming – Simon was hoping that the next song Casey performs will be bigger and better.

Crystal Bowersox – I found out last night that Crystal is my brother’s favorite on the show – and when I commented that she’s super talented but seems to lack a little connection with the audience, his quick comeback was – “It’s because she has a direct connection with me.” Well, that explains it. So, he’s voting for her, and I’ll be voting for Lee – hopefully I’m a bigger fan than he is and Lee will come off victorious.

Crystal chose “Come to My Window” by Melissa Etheridge. Coming to the stage with both her guitar and harmonica, the audience and judges seemed to expect great things from Crystal tonight. But did she deliver? Getting off to a little bit of a rough start, and not really making it her own version, she did a respectable job of performing the popular song. The tone of her voice fit the song well, but it didn’t really allow her to shine either. The judges are looking for a winner – Randy didn’t love the arrangement, but he liked is that Crystal’s vocal was great and it worked for him in the end. Ellen agreed and thought it was the exact type of song she anticipating from Crystal. Kara said she struggled but it was a good vocal – hesitantly stating that Crystal is capable of having “a moment” and hopes she will get that tonight. Simon commented that she hasn’t compromised herself and has remained true to herself as an artist, calling it an “honest performance”.

And now on to Lee DeWyze. I love that when Ryan says Lee’s name – all the girls in the audience scream (that bodes well for his career). Singing “Simple Man” by Leonard Skinner – Lee commented that he always likes to pick a song that he relates to because he feels that he can give a better performance that way. I loved the way the song fit Lee’s voice perfectly and seemed to bring out a bit more raspyness – I was hoping he would take it really big at the end and do something outrageous, but he kept it a little mellow and cool. I liked it though. Randy said it was a great song choice and he could see Lee doing that on an album. Both Randy and Ellen said he is confident and they loved it. Kara – “What you did tonight is what every contestant needs to do. In my opinion – round one goes to Lee”. Simon said the song choices during the evening had been “Okay” but Lee’s song choice was “on the money” and “I don’t think you won round one, I think you crushed it!” (Yeah – that sounds good for Lee – I just hope all his fans don’t take it for granted.

Now on to the judge choices for songs:

Casey James sang “Daughters” by John Mayer selected by Randy and Kara. The song didn’t work for me – the reason it works for John Mayer is because his voice is so unique and it fits his style completely. But instead of mixing it up, Casey sang it straight and it was a bit boring for me – nothing that was a “wow” moment. But Randy said the song “fit him like a glove”. Ellen thought it was beautiful. Kara said the song showed the more artistic side of him and complimented herself for picking the song. Simon said it was a much better song choice, but it was a bit of a lazy arrangement – the climax was quite limp and he held Kara and Randy responsible for not providing him a vocal climax. Kara, of course, was very defensive. But, Simon continued that the song didn’t have a “Wow moment” – he was right – but Kara jumped right back in that “it’s because that’s the way that song was written”. Hmm.. I think a bit of skewed thought there from Kara – as she’s typically the one telling contestants that they need to bring it up a notch, have a “moment”, etc. But obviously she helped pick the song, so it couldn’t have been the wrong choice. (insert sarcastic smirk here).

Ellen DeGeneres chose the song for Crystal Bowersox. I was interested in seeing what she chose and if it would really allow Crystal to shine. “Maybe I’m Amazed” by Paul McCartney. Hmm. Interesting choice. I only thought the song phrase “maybe I’m a man…” were a little awkward and it didn’t seem that Crystal was loving the song, but she did a good job and it was certainly different than her typical song. Randy “Great song, Great vocals, and we’ve got somebody else in it to win it!” Ellen “You did it. I couldn’t have asked for more.” Kara “you really showed parts of your voice that I don’t think we’ve heard until tonight – you did a lot of risky things tonight and I think it paid off.” Simon, “I must admit that when I heard the song choice, I was a bit surprised. But now I get it…. you’ve got soul… after that, you may be thanking Ellen next week for putting you in the final.”

I have to admit I was happy that Simon chose a song for Lee – and excited to hear what the choice was – with the hopes that it would be a “wow” song. “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. Simon said he thinks Lee will do the song and have a “moment” – “This is his night”. Lee began to sing and I got chills – I would absolutely buy this. Excellent choice, and even having the gospel choir join in seemed to work. Even with a couple bad notes, I still loved it and the depth he gave the song. My predicted winner of the night as well as the competition. The crowd just kept cheering and cheering on and on and on. Randy “I’ve been waiting all season to see who is going to throw down the gauntlet – (Simon) set you up, that was the biggest moment, that was unbelievable”. Lee thanked Simon for choosing the song even though he was a little scared about it. Ellen said “there is nothing more to be said – that was stunning”. Kara “Lee, you are what this show is all about – incredible epic moment… you just owned the entire night.” Simon “I’m very, very, very proud of you… before this show, you were working at a store, and looking for a break… you’ve proved that you are a fantastic singer, a great person…” Lee seemed so overwhelmed. I love that someone like him can finally have his time in the sun. I hope he keeps his humility because that’s what I like the best about him.

And on to the voting…

If anyone wants to help me beat my brother… VOTE FOR LEE!

Unfortunately for young contestant Aaron Kelly – for that put him and Michael Lynche at risk and Aaron was ultimately sent packing. It’s not that I think America got it wrong … I’ve actually thought Aaron should go home quite a few times… I just hate it when I predict wrong and based on last night’s performances I truly thought Casey would go home.

Oh well… I think the top 4 is a good, strong group and probably the best of the top 20 contestants.

Was anyone else surprised at the elimination this week?

I loved Harry Connick Jr.’s performance – he’s amazing! Would love to see him back again and I’m excited for music next week from soundtracks along with Jamie Fox as the mentor. But I don’t get it about Lady Gaga – she’s just WAY too out there for me. I think she has a nice voice, but it’s all of the “extras” that are completely distracting and strange – a bit disturbing as well. But obviously she’s popular … maybe because she’s such an anomaly.

I loved Lee DeWyze and Michael Lynche this week (as always). Crystal Bowersox was good (as always)… and Aaron Kelly … well, just say everyone seems to like him but he’s just not the best out there right now (I think with time/age/experience he will still do well in a music career.)

I was so happy that Harry Connick Jr. actually “mentored” the contestants – giving them feedback and true guidance, and not only that – actually provided the arrangements of the Frank Sinatra songs – as well as performed with the band. It was also quite fun to see his close friend Ellen DeGeneres giving him a hard time… “I thought the piano was a bit pitchy”. That kind of banter and good-humor is priceless on a show like American Idol. At this stage, the mentoring and guidance provided was needed – but a few of the performances fell flat – not feeling like they were actually “competing to win”.

My niece watched for the first time this season and said she’d certainly buy an album from Crystal Bowersox as her voice was incredible (but felt absolutely zero connection with her… which is what I’ve said most of the season). She loved Lee DeWyze (“There’s just something about him that you can’t help but like”), and Michael Lynche (“His voice is so smooth and his eyes twinkle”.) She thought Aaron struggled and his voice strained, and poor Casey (I made her promise to go and listen to his earlier performances where he did much better).

Anyway, who do you think is going home this week?

NOTE: Spoiler alert… do not continue reading if you don’t want to know who was eliminated this week on American Idol.

But then our “oh so sneaky host” Ryan – pulled Siobhan from her position and walked her towards the couches, but before reaching the couch… he dropped her off to stand next to Casey. Then shockingly announced the bottom three as Michael Lynche, Casey James and Siobhan Magnus… sending the others to safety.

Guest artists were abundant on American Idol this week and included performances by Lady Antebellum (rumor has it that the lead singer of Lady Antebellum tried out twice for American Idol and was deemed not good enough to continue on… bet the producers are kicking themselves now huh), Rascal Flatts, another group who will be touring with Carrie Underwood (who were actually quite good), a duet by Rascal Flatts and Shikira, and guest spots with Antonio Banderas and Cameron Diaz (promoting the new Shrek movie coming out in May).

Now on to the bottom three: Siobhan Magnus, Casey James, and Michael Lynche…. Michael Lynche was sent back to safety leaving only Casey and Siobhan at risk.

Leaving the American Idol competition tonight… is…

Siobhan Magnus

Sad for her, but I think it was the right call by America.

Harry Connick Jr. will mentor American Idol Contestants next week with the songs of Frank Sinatra.. Actually I’m very excited about next week — I think there is tons of potential for greatness with the combination of a great mentor and amazing songs. It will be fun to see if those remaining in the competition can make the songs their own.

Were you sad or surprised at the elimination this week?

I’m sure dragging out the announcements stresses out the American Idol contestants and the producers seem to be trying to make things a little less predictable in mixing up the way they announce the bottom contestants. But to me it feels like they are just trying to fill up space. My question is why they don’t just make the announcement evening show 30 minutes long rather than trying to fill an hour… but I suppose that would not allow them to bring back former contestants to promote their albums. And speculations have been made during the past couple of weeks about host Ryan Seacrest – bloggers have commented on his seeming strangeness and awkward moments. He claims it is just fatigue, but I have to say the past couple of weeks it’s been really obvious that he is not at the top of his game. He has made the most inappropriate comments and I hope he gets back to being a little less “informal” in his hosting.

The shocker tonight was that Ryan didn’t drag out the announcement that Andrew Garcia was eliminated during the first 15 minutes of the show. With Andrew’s farewell, it was revealed that both Casey James and Aaron Kelly were safe and would be continuing on in the competition.

Former American Idol contestant Brooke White and TV star, Justin Gaston, sang a duet on the show. I’m not sure how they came up with the pairing but it didn’t really blend very well for me – strange combination of voices. But it was nice to see Brooke back on the Idol stage. I actually had to fast forward the performance, so maybe it got better but I couldn’t sit through it.

As the show continued, Ryan sent Crystal Bowersox to safety, followed by Siobhan Magnus, then he tortured Lee DeWyze by telling him that Chris Daughtry performed the same song the week he was eliminated…  before pulling him away from the other contestants and then finally announcing Lee was safe. This left the bottom three contestants as Michael Lynche, Tim Urban, and Katie Stevens. But of course, in true American Idol form, they made the contestants continue to wait through a break and performance by Adam Lambert.

I actually like Adam’s song “What Do You Want From Me” on the radio, but he’s just so over the top in everything he does I simply cannot watch him – just icky – sorry to all you Adam fans – and please don’t write hate comments. It’s just my opinion.

Sending Tim Urban to safety, Ryan left Michael Lynche and Katie Stevens as the remaining contestants – but he did make the announcement that one of the remaining was not even in the bottom 3 this week – which brought a huge sigh of relief to me as Michael Lynche was sent to safety and Katie Stevens was eliminated.

I think America got it right this week… what do you think?

Two American Idol hopefuls will be eliminated tonight and based on performances last night I predict it will be Andrew Garcia and Aaron Kelly. But I also think Siobhan Magnus and Katie Stevens could be at risk. With Michael Lynche in the bottom last week – it’s very difficult to predict the “unpredictable” outcomes this season.

Crystal Bowersox did an amazing job and I thought it was her best performance to date – the electric guitar seemed to bring out a bit more energy and fun in her personality.

But I think the winner from last night for me was Lee DeWyze. His performance was amazing, full of energy and he even smiled. As he gets more comfortable on stage and in front of the cameras, he gets better and better. I loved his performance of “A Little Less Conversation”. Adam Lambert gave Lee good advice about smiling and using more expression as he performed.

Andrew Garcia‘s rendition of “Hound Dog” was hard to watch – he tried to make it his own, but it’s such a huge song it completely paled in comparison to the original. If it was a song we were not familiar with and heard him sing it – I think it would have been fine. But as it was, I’m afraid he didn’t do it justice.

Tim Urban‘s version of “I Can’t Help Falling In Love” was applauded by the judges, but I didn’t get it. I felt like I was politely listening to a friend’s son or neighbor. Perhaps loads of teenage or pre-teen girls will pick up the phone to vote for Tim – but I truly don’t think he’s ready to be launching his recording career yet.

Aaron Kelly has grown a lot through the competition and he has a good voice. I think he’s still young and his attempt at “Blue Suede Shoes” was okay but I felt as though it were a high school performance. Simon agreed and even with his fan base, I think Aaron is at risk tonight.

Siobhan Magnus… ah.. Siobhan what can I say? I have liked Siobhan from the beginning… but as other contestants have seemed to improve and grow on me more, Siobhan truly does seem to be floundering a bit. Simon commented that she didn’t seem to know who she was – and I liked her comment that she doesn’t really classify or label herself – she just loves to sing. It was a good answer and could potentially get her votes, but her performance from last night was a bit cheesy and felt a bit like a cruise line performance. I don’t know why people keep using the “coming down the stairs” as part of their performance – it just doesn’t work unless you “own” it or have tons of experience. So, even though I like Siobhan, I’m afraid she may be at risk tonight.

Michael Lynche – again he’s still one of my favorites and I love his voice. He sang “In The Ghetto” and it was tender and beautiful. I’m not sure it will get the young fans to pick up the phone. I was hoping he would have performed something to get the crowd to leap to their feet and make calls for him – but it was truly another beautiful performance. He’s just amazingly talented.

Katie Stevens. Katie seems to have a growing fan base – likely because she’s cute and young. It felt to me as though she was trying too hard but the judges seemed to like her performance – except for Simon (and me). I wouldn’t mind if she was one to go tonight though. I just think some of the others are further along.

Casey James – he always does a good job and he seems to make songs his own no matter what he is performing. I can’t say I remember much of the performance and it didn’t make me go “Wow!” but it was good. Simon commented that he felt it was a “wasted opportunity and a completely forgettable song” but the vocals were good. Actually that about sums it up for me too.

I’m not looking forward to anyone going home tonight – but think it would be completely wrong if Lee DeWyze, Crystal Bowersox, and Casey James are not the top 3 this season. I’d like Michael Lynche to be in the Top 4.

Who would be your top 3 this year?

I just had a comment on a previous post that the contestants seem to lack diversity. As they introduced the contestants… actually it was a bit skewed to 9 white contestants, 2 black contestants, and 1 Latino. I did think that the talent was skewed to a “vanilla” flavor – but I meant that many seemed to lack a strong identity and a lot of the contestants seemed to sound the same. But this observation from one of my readers, brings up a question…

Do you think there is a lack of diversity on American Idol?

In my opinion from season’s past this hasn’t seemed to be an issue – and I likely would not have noticed it if not for my reader’s comment.

I wonder if Kris Allen’s win last season brought out more of the singer/songwriter contestants or if producers leaned towards that style after seeing Kris’ fan base as buyers of music. Hmmm.. something to consider.

Anyway… on to my critiques for American Idol’s Top 12.

Michael Lynch “Big Mike: I love Michael. My problem tonight is that they are having the contestants perform The Rolling Stones. I mean, unless they completely alter the song to fit their own style and voice – it’s a huge challenge. I don’t really like The Rolling Stones anyway – but comparing a regular performance with the original – really and truly – no one can do it like Mick Jagger. However, Mike did a pretty good job and his personality is simply adorable. I think he’ll get really far in the competition – top 3 for sure.

Didi Benami: I like Didi and she has a cool voice. She did a good job and certainly sings well. I wouldn’t buy an album as it feels that most of her music seems quite the same each week. She’s a cute girl but I don’t think she’ll be around much longer as she doesn’t stand out as a star yet.

Casey James: I like that Casey is a country guy and I hope he stays true to that side of him – even in making a rock song change into a country tune. He actually did a great job – reminded me a bit of some Travis Tritt songs – country with an edge. He’s got the country fan vote and for sure will be around for a while. The thing I liked the most was that the song and performance felt like a Casey James song – rather than something from The Rolling Stones.

Lacey Brown: Boy she was a darling kid. Loved her family and the comment from her dad that she was really shy as a child – but heard someone say: “If you remain shy, you’ll miss your destiny.” Love that quote and the thought behind it. I wanted so much to like her performance but it was just not good. Kind of whiny, pitchy and boring for me. (I’m not sure what the judges were hearing.) It’s sad because I like her personality. But I think she’s at risk to going home this week.

Andrew Garcia: I loved Andrew’s dad – so sweet – you can tell he really cares about his son. It shows that even without money and the advantages of the world – if you are determined, you can do great things. I thought Andrew’s performance was pretty good – it just didn’t fit his personal style very much. I wish he had changed up the song a bit more. But as he’s done that in the past and the judges have told him to not change it up too much – I think he’s likely trying not to change things as much as he has in the past. It’s a hard spot to be in for him – to find that balance. I hope he sticks around because he has a lot of talent.

Katie Stevens: Oh boy, I still can’t believe she stayed and Lilly Scott went home last week. She’s darling but should be going home this week. She just needs more experience, more polish and a definition of what kind of artist she’s going to be. Again… she’s a cute girl… just out of her league, in my opinion.

Tim Urban: Wow – a family with 10 kids. That’s awesome! I could completely see him as the next Disney teen idol (if he could act even a little bit) – but not the next American Idol. He’s adorable and will appeal to the younger girls. The song he performed was okay but forgettable – I did like that he made it different and didn’t try to be one of The Rolling Stones – but it just didn’t blow me away. I can’t call it if he’s going home – because you never quite know what the voting crowd is going to do. But I think he probably should be going home as some of the other guys are much stronger than he is right now. I’d love to see him combine his singing with acting … Disney… are you listening?

Siobhan Magnus: I have to say I was really looking forward to hearing what Siobhan would do with The Rolling Stones. I’m sad to say I was very disappointed with the song choice and performance. It just didn’t showcase her style or her range until the very end – and then reminded me a bit of Adam Lambert’s high notes. Didn’t like it at all. Apparently I was all alone in not liking it – as the judges gushed about everything and said she was the standout performance of the night. Obviously I love her voice and think she sang well – and is unique – but I just didn’t like the song choice. Top 3 and likely could win.

Lee DeWyze: His voice is my favorite of all of the contestants. Even if he doesn’t win the overall competition, I think he’ll have a great career. I absolutely love the quality, tone and raspy coolness of his voice. Can’t wait for his album to come out. The thing I liked about his performance tonight was that he totally made the song his own – it didn’t feel like a Rolling Stones knockoff – he stayed true to his own style. I think his tone was the best he has done – as in past weeks he’s struggled with pitch issues – but it was great this week.

Paige Miles: Paige has a great voice. I just don’t see her as a star yet. I think she’s at risk for going home – and I was actually surprised she stayed around from last week. I did like that there was a little bit of a country twist on the song and she did a good job. I’m not sure her personality has stood out as much as some of the other girls.

Aaron Kelly: He looked so cute with his cowboy hat on as a kid – it kind of made me wonder if he could put a country twist on some of his songs – if that would do well… any thoughts? I did like what he did this week with hair – spiking it out — it made him seem a bit more put together and not quite so young – well done! He could be another teen idol – just like Tim Urban. I don’t see him as a big competitor for American Idol. I think he did the best he’s done in the competition so far tonight.

Crystal Bowersox: That girl can sing. I love that she can make a Rolling Stone song seem like it’s completely her own. She’s extremely talented and I think is a contender for the title. I’m still looking for a little more connection from her – to the audience. Even though she’s amazing… I feel a lack in emotion or genuine expression from her. Her performance was great. I was glad that the judges mentioned that she seemed to feel “too comfortable” and there was a lack of personality – hopefully she’ll show more of herself to connect the fans and not come off as cocky.

So after all is said and done … I don’t really care who gets eliminated as long as it’s not Lee DeWyze, Michael Lynch, or Siobhan Magnus. I will however be surprised if Casey James or Crystal Bowersox get eliminated.

Who do you think should stay or go this week?

I’ve heard other rumors of replacements for Simon, but most are simply celebrities who have not truly developed and nurtured talent in the music industry – we have one of those with Ellen (who I really like), but a replacement for Simon needs to be someone with credentials and true critique of the musicality and technique.

Anyone else have suggestions or thoughts?