First...I'm ova here now.

Chris went a long way to calm the concerns of some of his biggest fans this week, namely Simon. Where are the haters now? One trick pony my ass.

Since last night was the best night of AI in god knows how long, it's obvious Pickler was the worst, but will people fall for the self-pity, sympathy act she put on, and keep her while someone who actually sang well may leave? Probably.
My guess bottom three will be Paula's left boob, Ace, and Paula's right boob. Ace should be going home in between them. Cover up woman this is a family show. If it weren't for the drugs, booze, random attacks after parties, extra long cleavage, and dismissive claims that she seduces contestants she'd have no entertainment value.

Really not a bad episode considering the crap we had to sit through. And plus, most do quite well when it comes to standards week, which makes me happy because I love the music. Favourite performance would definitely have to be Katharine. And she is SO much prettier than Kelly Clarkson.

I absolultely LOVE Rod Stewart. And come on! "Hot Legs" and "Do You Think I'm Sexy" are nothing compared to "Maggie May" and "Reason to Believe".

And on another note: the only thing I could think of when I saw Ace was...K-Fed :(

That really was a great show (though I did miss Elliot's and Kellie's performances for to be eating the ravioli). I agree that Rod Stewart really didn't seem to be working with them so much as he was there being silly with the songs being relatively easy to work with.

I'll admit that Chris finally sounded like a good singer to me (not too much range, but the most control I've seen in his performances) and he listened to someone about the beard and the eye makeup (although, was that mascara or does he just seem to have eyelashes for days? :-P). In case we might be sharing, as far as I'm aware at this time, my ass is currently a three-trick-pony. :-$ Paris sounded good, but at times when she sings she reminds me of how I sometimes sound when I'm trying to do Patrick Star's voice. Near the end of Taylor's performance, I thought he might accidentally drool and/or spit (it sounded great though). When I saw Ace, I was thinking, "Uhhh, why's there a sleazy porn producer on stage?" Anyway, let's try to lay it out in the McPhield: How can you not McPhiercly McPheel the McPheever from your head to your McPheet?

I hope I can put my McPhears to rest about another week of Ace.

Its so time for Pickler, Ace and Yamin to hit the road. A triple elimination would be sweet.

I also think Taylor has epilepsy, and he has an epileptic fit on stage, every Tuesday night. Must be the strobe lights that do it.

Paris still has that face I'd love to punch.

KH

I have to admit that a lot of people did well last night....including Ace. As much as I've hated him so far and want to see him go I don't think what he did last night should be the reason. This may be his genre of music. If he would stick to that instead of trying to do that boy band crap then he could probably have some success at it and not annoy the hell out of us either.

Chris blew me away with What A wonderful World. Jesuslovesyou, you must be proud. I know I am. He finally proved he's not one-dimensional.

One surprize for me is that Elliott didn't do as well as I expected, especially considering the genre. If anyone was to dominate this should have been his night. He didn't come through and he might be going home because of it.

Yeah, I agree 100%. This was really a step up for American Idol, possibly the episode I have enjoyed the most since I started whatching the show (season two). I love that style of music anyway, play it at my place of business while people shop. This was just terrific.
Chris was good, not my personal favorite of the night but he really had a way with the song, was sensitive and effective.
Paris blew me away yet again. She has shown the most growth over the course of the show. Was like an annoying child in the early weeks and I wished she'd go away. Now she comes off as a much more likable, polite young lady and has been nailing her songs consistently. Good for her.
Taylor was excellent but for some reason I am getting a little bored with him. Not sure why but I am. Too predictable maybe? I don't know. But nonetheless a really great performance for him yet again.
Ace I can't watch or listen to, everything about him bothers me, I had to leave the room, but from afar I could still hear the whiney, off key attempts to sing and so I would have to say he was my least favorite yet again and I hope he is the next to go.
Poor Kellie, she completely lost her timing halfway through the song. Nerves maybe? A shame because she did start it very well and could have pulled it off. Her fans may be forgiving though, she obviously has a lot of them and i wouldn't write her off just yet, they'll probably give her another chance.
Elliott was great as always. One of the more consistent performers on the show, musically is very strong week after week and has yet to mess anything up. Doesn't have the same looks or charm as some of the other front runners though so I don't think he will advance too much farther unfortunately.
Katherine was unbelievably amazing, she could easily have a hit with that song or a whole album like that. Amazing control and as was mentioned above, is the most photogenic, polished performer in front the camera, beyond gorgeous, the total package. Everythig she does is just so professional, truly a natural. After tonight I think she might make it all the way to the final, by now it's pretty obvious the showdown will be Chris, Taylor, and now probably Katherine. And you're right she is way more attractive than Clarkson ever will be. Super show all around, a great, musically diverse bunch of talented performers this year. I wonder what next week's theme will be?
-Rick

Did anyone see the article about Queen's Brian May being annoyed by the way they were portrayed?

See it here:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12355699/

Anyways, I really hope Kellie goes home....hopefully there are no sympathy votes going her way.

The Pickler goes home. Damned Ace escapes the axe.

McPheefer for Idol! No way Chris or Paris can best her. She's the whole package.

I don't know why everyone likes Katharine McPhee so much. I find her boring.

The Mr Holland's Opus thing was a reference to a scene in the movie where someone sings the same song Katharine did. But the rest of Paula's sentence made no sense.

B-side- as much as I think Paula is ridiculous and certifiably out of her mind, she did actually have one reasonable comment with the Mr. Holland's Opus thing: one of Richard Dreyfus's students in the movie, the girl that leaves the town to go to Broadway or something, sings Someone to Watch Over Me.
Sorry to burst your bubble!

Come on, people, where's the snark? I thought Katherine's performance was super cheesy. She reminded me of Kathie Lee or Anita Bryant. Good voice, though.

can't believe you skipped over ace's rehearsal session with rod the mod. if the jury was out for anyone on which team ace plays for--or whether he's a 'pitcher' or a 'catcher'--his crazy-eyed stalker rehearsal and goo-goo-ga-ga 'oh-my-GAWD! it's rod STEWART!' sidebar ought to settle that question once and for all. the look on rod's face said it all--he was clearly thinking 'if this wanker tries to kiss me, i'm gonna drag him outside an' give 'im me ol' soccer hooligan treatment.' don't worry if you get cut tomorrow, ace--your back-up career as 'special live-in friend' to some aging record producer is secure (seacrest knows some people), and you'll never have to give 'favors' in public bathroom stalls to make rent again. ace is pure velveeta, and he sounded like he just had a deviated septum operation, but the rainbow army and the few midwestern teeny-bopper girls who still think clay aiken is straight might keep him alive.

pickler was TERRIBLE, but the T & A and the jessica simpson act could easily buy her another week. i fear we are going to see the second travesty of the season on wednesday, when the superbly talented but uncharismatic elliot and his frankenstein-ish mug (is it just me, or does he have a dip in?) are undeservedly sent packing.

but it's all irrelevant, because last night again made it clear that this race is between katherine and chris. paris and taylor have their moments, but both are a little too 'cute' and 'quirky' to go all the way. chris didn't do much for me last night, but for rocker dudes like chris and bo bice, getting through an off-genre theme night is less about being brilliant than about not embarrassing themselves, and he performed very respectably. but katherine--jesus. everything about that performance was perfect. she looked hot, she had amazing stage presence and worked the camera and the crowd like a pro, and her voice . . . wow.

as for rod the mod's sell-out: well, over the years, the guy's planted his seed in a lot of gardens, and at least 3 of them managed to get him to the altar before they traded cigarettes and cocaine for ben & jerry's (sorry, rachel). just goes to show, even sleeping with thousands of supermodels has its down-side.

as per usual, Elliott was the best of the night, and i thought Chris and Katherine were the most boring. i don't get the "mcpheever" business at all.
And i was expecting more from Paris.

Rod Stewart was a pleasant surprise though. Seemed much more helpful than i anticipated.

There is no way Pickles will go home, I'm sorry - she is just too damn loveable. She is a clown.

And will everyone please give Paris a break? Working 9 to 5, singing on Idol, and still keeping her suit fresh for her meeting with the board is hard work.

www.flipkicksandnightbellows.blogspot.com

Kellie was totally gunning for the sympathy vote by repeatedly saying "I'm soaary." in that damn southern twang, sadly the horny teenage boy to middle aged man demographic is going to fall for it and we will be treated to another week of jokes that fly right over her pretty, empty head.

Yes, please, Paula - cover up! Kids are watching. Whenever she's on screen I'm staring at her chest waiting for something to pop out. And one day it will.

My poor, unfortunate-looking Elliott was great last night. I picked up the phone to vote for the first time this season because of him. I thought he had more personality than he has before - he was all relaxed and cool. I might be loving him more than Chris!!!

Ace is going home tonight. The 12 year olds hopefully had an acne jamboree or something to keep them away from the phones.

I tried to vote for Elliott for most of the 2 hours and had a lot of trouble getting through. (Last week was a different story.) I predict Elliott in the top 3. Go Elliott!

And thank you Chris for stopping the eyeliner madness. His sex appeal comes from his rough masculine good looks, and I was afraid he was turning into Frankenfurter!

The random tattooed lady is Mad TV's Debra Wilson, I think. Funny as hell, but HOLY tattoos!

WHY does everyone LOOOOVE Katharine? I think she has no personality when she is onstage (except for her side to side up and down head shake) and when she is off stage she is trying to hard to be dumb like Pickle because she wants to win the 12 year old votes. Way too conceeded at the moment. We already have an Idol that sings her Genre. It should be a showdown between Chris and Taylor.
Ace?? What the F? I thought he looked like one of the kids out of that Dangerous Minds movie with Michelle Peifer. Where's your leather jacket Ace? (i love you)
Bottom Three - Alf, 3 Six Mafia and The Pickle.

I thought Idol was a breath of fresh air last night only because it has been almost all season since it didnt suck so bad my ears bled.

Thanks for the quick commentary B-Side. As usual, your quips are going to get me fired one of these days for the "laugh-out-loud madness" that permeates from my office every time I log on here.

I thought everyone did well last night EXCEPT Pickler and Ace. I didnt hate Paris as much as I usually do. If you think about it, Ace and Paris look like they came out of the same sleezy Vegas convention - That suit and hair on Ace was a BIG MISS and the comment #15 made about Paris was hysterical!!

Chris was surprising last night and I am left wondering how he picked that particular song which I would have never thought of for him. He did well - his voice is not made for that kind of music but he didnt try to "make it his own/sound the same as every other song he sings" as usual. In a way, he sold out but for the right reasons (to stay in the game).

I am hoping for a bottom 3 of Pickler, Ace and Paris with Pickler GONE and the rest to follow in that order in the coming weeks but I am worried about our orthodontia boy Elliott whose voice is superior to the other males however, he looked like amish gone GQ last night and no matter what they do with the hair and the face pubes, his teeth are gonna cost him.

I did try and call last night (lame) for Katherine, Taylor and Elliot (Chris doesnt need my help) and I couldnt get through to any of them for over an hour till my finger did the george Jetson thing and I had to give up.

Final three hopes - Taylor, Chris and Katherine - who do you think will win now??

(Hey Tvgasm - where is your recap on Sopranos and an update of all the Food Network shows?)

:)

Well its about time the show got back on track. I was going comotose each week wondering if we would EVER see another performance worthy of turning my tv on again.

Chris,in his spiffy banker outfit, did a good job with one of my fave "wonderful world" but he has this goat-like quality (as does Elliot) when he tries to stretch out notes..it grates on me.

Paris coulda been in the next bank stall from Chris or fresh from her teaching job. I will give her props..she did do well..but again..her voice to me is still too young to pull off some of the stuff she tries to. But at least we didnt have to look at the Janet Jackson wanna be outfit again.

The Taylor show is getting old. Look at me..i am funny! i dance funny! I am the poster boy for Tourettes. zzzzzzz...your 15 min of fame i think ended on Saturday night.

Elliot-Does it HAVE to be him? I fear he may be the one to get the boot tonite as his performance was good but far from memorable. He's a nice guy..but doesnt invoke the teeny bopper vote ala Ace or the i love clowns vote of Taylor.

Pickler-Kellie..Kellie Kellie..i actually felt bad for her during the performance. It was so obvious she was in front of the music and there isnt much you can do once u go there. I was surprised at how she just stood there arms at her sides. Must have been hard when u were wearing a dress that you were unable to do the sexy poopy squat in. But alas..her charming shoe comment and her sympathetic "I wont put you through that again" (heck..that made me even want to vote for her) will save her skinny minx butt again. Smart dumb blonde.

Ace-please make him stop mommy! Was it just me or did his hair make you think of a geisha girl? Or was that the blush on his cheeks? nonetheless..i would rather poke my eardrums with a sharp stick than have to listen to his falsetto one more week. Though i have seen a recent picture of him topless..he ought to sing like that weekly..i would vote for him. Anyway..please go away!

Kat~Count me in on those being quarantined with the McPheever! Though i have had the symptoms for perhaps longer than most. I agree with B-Side..this was her night to take or to fall flat on her face and she pulled it off brilliantly. those closeups (OMG! do i need to see every pore on her face? she had to be horrified..thank God she didnt have a zit breakout) but for some reason her smoldering look doesnt bother me the way Constantine's creeped me out. And that smile and her Dad in tears again..who couldnt love that?

I love your Ryan comments..i didnt think anyone could loathe him as much as i did.

Paris did her annoying "Thank yooouuuu" 5 times last night. She sings fine sometimes, but then talks and I mute the tv, because she is so annoying!
I really like Elliot and Katharine.
If Chris had done that performance a few weeks ago I would totally have loved it, but I grew tired of him, and the song selection was just misplaced. Seriously? This could have been great instead of singing Creed.
And the rest...well, forgettable. Except Taylor, who only rocked the last few seconds of his song.

Hey B-Side, I am pretty sure that the insane black tatooed lady that was going nuts with the McFever is that insane woman that was on Mad TV for a while, and they just didn't put her name up there. I guess she's not as big a star as Michael Rappaport, Mary Lou Henner, and Mimi Rodgers.

I guess that I can watch to see who goes home tonight b/c Lost isn't on- so we'll see if my faves make it through. I agree that everyone was good (except Kellie). I hope to God she goes home tonight b/c she deserves to! I tried to vote for my favortes (Chris, Elliot, Katherine) but could only get through one time for each so I hope that they all stay tonight. Chris and Katherine's songs actually made my eyes well up with tears, and Elliot always makes me turn the volume up so I can hear the purity of his voice.

I thought that Ace really looked like Matthew Fox last night- the resemblance with his hair back is amazing! BTW- Alistair Stewart is no baby-dub, but was he cute or what?

Debra Wilson formerly from MADTV was the random tattooed lady in the audience.

Suzie-you took the words right out of my mouth on all accounts. I totally don't get the whole McPheever thing. She's SO boring to me. And why doesn't Simon ever tell HER to move out of her comfort zone and branch out a bit. She sings the SAME types of songs week after week, takes the safe route, and they PRAISE her for it. It's bull$#!t favoritism. And as much as I want Ace to go, I think it's really Kellie's turn. She annoys the crap out of me. How can people be so dumb to fall for the moron act every week?

B-Side, the grammar police are going to give a pass for "contemporizing". But, they are also going to call for the removal of Paula Abdul's voice box for scores of other infractions. What's wrong with a little cleavage? What's wrong with a lot of cleavage? It's not as though we caught a glimpse of one of those demonic nipples! (shudders at the horror of such a sight) Maybe it's just me. I love boobs.

Can someone please prescribe some antibiotics for Ace-Fed's sinus infection? His voice is shit. It's like a wet tissue.

Has anyone else noticed that Elliot's mom looks like Bat Boy from the Weekly World News?

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.westernstage.org/BatBoy/images/BBpic_bw.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.westernstage.org/BatBoy/BBsighting.html&h=259&w=223&sz=29&tbnid=7kwvHEiB3FlWiM:&tbnh=107&tbnw=92&hl=en&start=5&prev=/images%3Fq%3D%2522bat%2Bboy%2522%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG

i'm surprised nobody commented on taylor's paula moment, my boyfriend and i got a good laugh out of it. when ryan was talking to him about snl, he said something like "flattery is the greatest form of humor", even doing her little stuttery thing trying to get the words out.

katharine, chris, taylor in the top 3, katharine wins, which has been my opinion all along. i'm getting kinda bored waiting while all of the people who suck get voted out, but at least last night made the wait bearable.

Ace is horrendous and HAS to go. His hair was a complete joke, just like him.

I wish I could like Katherine, but I just can't. For some reason I cannot stand her. She seems so smug and arrogant. I also find her voice screechy at times.

I know I keep saying this, but I wish Taylor would sing more ballads. I too am getting tired of his "show." Just SING, dammit.

Chris was AWESOME. He has a really nice voice and is hot as hell.

well, I think Chris did a fabulous job last night and I had goosebumps from the entire performance and the flashback at the end. I love everything about him. and despite messing up, Pickler should not be the one packing tonight--IT SHOULD BE ACE. I cannot stand another week of him. God, he makes me sick and his lack of talent is almost as bad as his incredible cheesiness and hair whether slicked back in a turd of a ponytail or all frizzy and hanging. I enjoyed Taylor, Elliott, and Katherine's performances alot and am tired of Paris. She's going to miss her prom if she doesn't return home soon.

#22 jelliepair - Your comment scares me. "Chris doesn't need my help" is exactly why Mandisa is gone.

Ladies and gentlemen....Carnivale Cruise Lines is proud to present...the vocal stylings of Ace Young!

In that get-up, he looked like a Love Boat Lothario. You know, do two shows a night and then do whichever single girl got talked into the cruise by her lonely girlfriend...the one getting over a divorce or break-up or the heartbreak of Pickler leaving tonight...

#29 - "Ace-Fed's sinus infection"...that was funny!

hb

OMG!!! Chris was so amazing last night. I think he proved that no matter what, he is an artist. And so handsome, despite the horrible side burns!
I don't get the McPheever...She never changes up, always in her comfort zone yet the judges just love her. Why don't they ever tell her to stretch and try something different? She may be pretty, but she won't win if she continues along on the Easy Listening path. BTW, I'd take Kelly Clarkson over McPheever any day. That girl can not only belt it out, but she'd kick McPheever's ass at the same time without losing a beat!!!!!!!!!!!! Kelly still rules and she could show everyone there a thing or two. Except Chris, who'd I'd like to show me some things!

I have to make this reference, although it is a sad one (sad, in that my life must be pretty sad because I know this). Ace looked exactly like the bad guy from Karate Kid III.

I thought Paris was actually better than McPhee, they all (except Ace and Kelly) were good. And whatever Rod Stewart told them -- maybe just picking good material -- he got great performances out of them.

At least Kelly knew she sucked. Ace, I'm still waiting for an acknowledgment when you butcher a song!

I'm all for just voting everybody off tonight and having Katharine win it. It's going to happen anyways and I'm completely willing to give up my need to see and listen to such fabulous artists as Taylor, Paris, Kellie, and Ace. (cough)
I like Elliot and Chris of course, but they'll never win if they don't do something amazing in the next couple weeks.
Anyways, insane McPheever here. She just needs to win now. I'm getting bored.

Chris chose a dull, cheesy, saccharine song and did nothing to make it interesting. Did I hear him right? That he chose it for the values represented in THOSE lyrics?

Anyone know who that random old lady was that they flashed to in the audience ? (Or maybe it was a random old man?) I thought it must be someone famous but maybe it was just a random person.

I was a little disappointed when I heard this would not be Rod's actual songs, but his "songbook." No one even comes close to trumping Barry this season !

Sparky....did you even listen to the song he sang? Beautiful values in that song..it is a classic.
BTW, BethW....Mcpheever is the boring one. YAWN...She will not win unless she mixes it up. And I think that would go against the grain for her. I don't think she could stretch if she tried...remember Country week? My ears are still bleeding.

Chris was so predictable each week that by changing ever so slightly last night, he wowed everyone (except me).

Rod Stewart actually got Taylor's schtick, and told him to ignore Simon (at his peril) and grab the audience by the balls (heh). Taylor started out blah but finished strong.

But Taylor does need to vary it up a little more.

And luvved Katharine.

Thanks for the great and fast recap B-Side!

"Brokeback Rod" - was his fiance still in the room?

Chris- thought the song was ok. Didn't shiver me timbers or anything like how "Walk The Line" did for me. Maybe I was put off by the " spiffy banker's outfit." (UgoGurl Post #23)

Paris- thought she sang beautifully. Can't believe Simon didn't comment on the outfit. Glad he did about the Minnie Mouse voice. If that girl has that much control when she sings, why can't she do the same when she talks? Does she think she sounds cute? URGH!

Taylor- I am just notta fan. Would of LOVED to see the SNL impression. Was it good?

Elliot- I hope he doesn't mistake "put in more personality in your performance" for that bouncy bouncy crap he's done before. I thought he did fine with out the bouncy bouncy hand shaky thing.

Kellie- Hey, started off nice and then... Is VFTW still pushing for her? She'll probably be safe. Anyone think that Ryan's comment about her and Elliot looking like they were going to prom might of been a zing what she really wears to prom?

Ace- Oh yes, we are soooo glad you didn't cut your hair! See how he had to put that in and I swear he looked like he was expecting a response. He is just a big Cheese Ball.

Katherine- man the camera loved you. I loved her performance the best, she was wonderful.

Anyone else want to flick Paula's bangs out of her eyes? She's probably thinking,"oh? they are covering up parts of the stage..."

It looked like Rod spent a lot of time goofing around and saying, "well, you seem to be doing great, you don't need my help..." but this night was indeed much better than the last 2. Maybe Mr.Manilow stuck his head in.

Seriously, I cannot get over Ace's sick slick-back..that was repelent, as was his singing voice...the falsetto is NOT "his money" as Randy suggested its his "affliction"

http://www.flipkicksandnightbellows.blogspot.com

Enough with all this "taylor needs to vary it up" crap. He sang 2 ballads in a row and gets nothing but grief for it. Then he goes back to what makes him loved by his fans and the idiotic remarks come out again that his act is tiresome. Just say that you can't stand the guy and leave it at that. It must be hard to understand, but taylor will be in the top 2 at the minimum. He has a huge fanbase that votes for him nonstop and it won't be a shocker to us when he wins the show.

MrsC: There was a time, long ago, when Jim Nabors affected this weird schtick of talking with a hick accent and then switching to this roaring, operatic voice when he sang. At first, he claimed that was how he talked...then years later, he admitted his "voice" was all an act. It'll be a few years before Paris admits she faked the Minnie Mouse voice to underscore her youth against the compeititon.

Did anyone catch how Rod the Mod grabbed the sheet music from a pile that Yummy Kitty had? He tore it up, saying that he was performing that song. Way to help out/coach/mentor the idols! "Um....I'd like to help you, but I've got a record to push!"

And, honestly, the bottom three will be Kellie, Ace and Taylor/Eliott. If Kellie isn't in the bottom three, then it truly is just a popularity conest based on demographics (Kellie = country...there are lots of country fans out there).

right on, jack..i noticed the rehearsal too..when Ace went to hug Rod and Rod was like.."Watch this get in the papers" or something like that.

Paris blew me away. She can be voted off today and will have a rewarding career as a jazz vocalist. I was disappointed she dressed like a secretary as well..WTF??

Kellie blew the lyrics 3 lines into the song..and she couldn't recover..she just wanted it to end quickly. If she never heard the song before in her life, i can't imagine her being able to retain the lyrics with that beautiful mind she has.

Taylor I was nervous about..i was snoozin then he put his own stamp on the song and it was great.

Elliot i couldn't help thinking he reminded me of Tony Bennet. Blue eyed soul, indeed..but..he still rushes his songs and uses those hip hop/r&b moves which are weak and distracting for songs that have their own pace and don't have scratching and sampling going on. Then again..he could have rapped his lyrics and that would have been something that had Elliot's personality in it.. I think he may be going home.

Ace?ACE??..oh god..where's my pillow..let me bite my pillow! Nasaly, sharp, shakey..weak..he so wants to please tho. He'll be around unfortunatel for another two weeks.

And thank you srah and dojean. I too do not understand the McPheever shit. Simon thought she was in a diffewrnt class than everyone else and declared her some kind of winner..well..because this pseudo gospel/pop crap is what he does best and responds to. He cranks these automatons out. She sounded like Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera..Again, an airbrushed, sexless head shrieking and faux-gospel warbling and gurgling the lyrics. The song choice was great, but she just ended up neutering it. She'll do well in the pop world.

The only thing I could think of while Ace was performing was that Adam Sandler was sooo much better singing that song in The Wedding Singer. I hope Kellie gets sent packing. She definitely deserves to go, but I'm not holding my breath.

TVgasm, will you please, please, please post a clipgasm of Ace's horrifying last note, complete with quivering mouth. It rivals Constantine's final note that you posted last year.

okay, I hate to admit this, but I finally voted last night. How old am I again?

I told my boyfriend I was only going to vote for ten minutes, but ended up doing half an hour. And it was all for Elliott. I know the boy won't win, but I like his voice and want to see him at least a couple of more times.

The first half of Pickler's song was still twice as good as Ace's whole performance, but I think the preteen girls of America will keep him on another week.

What an awesome week-finally, good performances. I agree with B-side, these timeless, beautiful songs are what brought out the great performances, not Rod Stewart. I think he sings "The Way You Look Tonight" on tonight's show-can't stand him but love the song so I'll tune in for that.

Paris finally got to showcase her talent-she's meant for standards & blues. I think the top 3 will be Chris, McPheever, & then either Paris or Taylor. I don't know what it is but McPheever, while she has a great voice & the camera does love her, she bugs the crap out of me. I agree with someone else's post-she's got nothing on Kelly Clarkson.

And Pickler, I can't make fun of you because i love your Grandpa & seeing him crying when you were done made me sniffly, but PLEASE cut the Jessica Simpson Chicken-of-the-Sea act!

Elliott better not be going home!!!
I tryed voting for him for 2hrs straight (yes.. no life here).... and I only got through 30-50times... it was SO busy.
Simon is a moron for making the personality remark when he doesn't even watch the contestants perform.
I didn't like any of the songs tonight (too boring for me)...but he still sang the hell out of it.
Although I do wish he picked something that would showcase his powernotes more...he's amazing. Go listen to it again.

Okay . . . this season probably has some of the best talent ever assembled on this show; but the episodes haven't been proving that this season. That is no reason to say the last few weeks have been beyond awful with nothing redeeming about any of it -- we had Elliot's excellent "Somebody to Love" in there which ridiculously made it into the bottom 3 last week -- EXCELLENT performance (I also think Pickler's Bohemian Rhapsody was quite enjoyable). I doubt any of the weeks this year have made anybody's ears bleed . . . come on.

As for Kellie, I think she'll make it through this week and I actually think she started the song very well. I was surprised with what I heard at first; but once she got off of the music she killed it for herself. Too bad, because it could have been good.

Ace had a "nice" week but he isn't as good as everybody else. Let's hope he finished his AI televised career with a song entitled "That's All."

The rest of the performances -- in my opinion -- were great. I understand why Simon took some credit for Chris' song choice - he was the ONLY one on the show to actually criticize the rock god. He can't take credit for the voice; but the slow, tamer song -- Simon can claim a wee-bit of responisibility for that. I don't think Paris has been this good all season. To quote Joey Lawrence, "Whoa!" She was nearly perfect and she would have an excellent album with the American Songbook. It was too bad the clothes were not good because otherwise it would have all been perfect. It is funny to see what a 17-year old believes is "classy." Taylor was good, but as someone else said -- I am kind of getting bored with him. Elliot was lacking personality? I don't think so . . . the song isn't one that should have one bouncing off of the walls. Maybe this is Simon's way of saying you aren't as marketable as some of the prettier faces (even though his voice is a hell of a lot better). As for Katharine, I have to agree that she is in a league of her own.

I am surprised to find so many people who dislike Katharine because she is the best on the show. But I am assuming you were the same Stacy Keibler haters on Dancing With the Stars. It is easy to hate the pretty female face while being all googoo over Ace or Nick. For all that says Katharine only sings the same songs (and yet love Chris), please go to AmericanIdol.com and see her song list. They are not all the same.

And now for Paula -- I am actually rather surprised with her last two weeks' appearances. She has been mild and sane. Her Mr. Holland's Opus remark made me realize she isn't taking as many painkillers before each episode. I think she has been rather nice these last couple of weeks . . . it made me remember the seasons of a tame Paula. She has made sense these last two weeks.

Kellie's comment about shoes was priceless. I cannot hate her after saying something like that. She appreciates shoes . . .

I also picked up the phone and voted for Elliot last night- five times! (I haven't voted since season 1). Not because I got a sudden urge to vote, but because Simon scared me into it. There are a lot of really talented people on this season, but I think Elliot just blows them all away. That boy can sing~
Elliot Ya,man!

Does anyone else remember how in Season 1, they would at least make an attempt at having the contestants dressed in a manner befitting the genre they would be performin? I have this image in my head of Kelly Clarkson when she performed a '40's song, with 1940's style clothing and hair. As good as Katherine and Paris sounded, I can't help but think they both would have looked beautiful if costumed appropriately. I also would have preferred the appropriate music as well; Chris' song sounded good, but the bottom line is they were performing "American Standards", and think they should have stuck to the original style of music, as the did in season 1 also. JMO :)

Ace looked like the guy in Dee-Lite (remember "Groove is in the Heart, circa 1990?). While he remains irritating, he was good enough to deserve to stick around another week. However, the quivering lip thing at the end was hilarious as usual.

It was funny listening to Paris last night and thinking back to her very ghetto booty shaking performance a couple weeks ago. Last night definitely suited her better (pun intended). Absolutely her best performance since "Midnight Train to Georgia".

I've got the McPheever worse than ever. She sounded amazing, and looked so gorgeous I was just about dumbstruck. No one should look that good in an extreme closeup.

Should go tonight: Pickler. Will go tonight: Ace or Elliot.

I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world

I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world

The colours of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shakin' hands, sayin' "How do you do?"
They're really saying "I love you"

I hear babies cryin', I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than I'll ever know
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world
Yes, I think to myself, what a wonderful world

Tune in next week, folks, when Chris will be singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" while hugging a puppy.

At this point, it doesn't matter what they sing or how they sound. We all have our favorites and those we would like to see go. Also, when you are down to 7, does it really matter who is in the bottom three? You still made the top 12 in the nation for one reason or another whether you deserved it or not.

Best of the best? Chris, Katharine, Mandisa

Thankful to be on the summer tour: Everyone else.

I'm so glad to see so many Elliot fans on here! Every week I say I'm going to vote, but I want to wait a while so the lines aren't busy... but then I wind up forgetting. I love Elliot's voice but I'm worried he doesn't have a fan base (or has a fan base of lazy people like me). I hope he sticks around until the top three with McPhee and Chris.

I was in the audience at SNL this week, and I gotta say I think Jason Sudeikis's impression of Taylor was more entertaining than any of Taylor's performances. I do still like him though, and I think he'll make top four.

Pickler needs to go home. I hate it when people use stupidity as an act. Although she did earn a couple points from me by admitting she sang poorly... I also hate it when people are delusional and think they sounded great when they really sucked it (cough ACE cough).

TWilliams..
"I am surprised to find so many people who dislike Katharine because she is the best on the show."

really?..based on what is she the best?

" For all that says Katharine only sings the same songs (and yet love Chris), please go to AmericanIdol.com and see her song list. They are not all the same."

um..they might be different songs, but the way Katherine sings them....they all SOUND THE SAME..

dredge....Thank you for making the point that no matter what McPheever sings, it ALL SOUNDS THE SAME. I do admit, the girl can sing and she is quite pretty....but that is not enough. Star quality and diversity in regards to song selections will win it, not flirting with the camera. SHE ANNOYS ME!

"some one to waatch...
o-vergh meehee heeyeah..ugh ...."

McPhiends! (Don't worry that was the last one since I can't think of a way to use "McPhield-ion microscope.") It's understandable that some people don't get Katherine and I find it quite necessary; after all, what would the first auditions be without people who don't know what good singing sounds like?

dredge said:
"um..they might be different songs, but the way Katherine sings them....they all SOUND THE SAME.."
You might think it sounds all the same because that's how you want to think it sounds; you're not really listening because you don't want to change your mind no matter how wrong you may be, you don't want to hear the difference.

Anyway, I wouldn't pick Katherine over Kelly Clarkson. There's plenty of room for both IMHO. I don't think they'll mainly be singing the same types of songs.

sparky, maybe you forgot that Chris is a father and that song is quite perfect for the loving parent. What's so horrible about the values in the lyrics? Should we all hate each other and wish the worse for children? You also make it sound like a song about hoping for better life and hugging puppies is so deplorable.

What a joy a speedy re-cap is!!!! I was so pleasantly surprised this time, except for the Kellie mess all were well, except of course Mr. Zoot-suit little head--those WERE padded shoulders, no!? I couldn't even listen to him, I was so distracted by the bun--which was a little swingy tail instead, that I wished I could grab and swing over my head till the slime makes it slip and he's off . . . oh my, perhaps I'm taking this a little too hard, but I'm going to be sooooo upset if he beats Elliott this week. I didn't get a chance to vote but in previous weeks, I got right through everytime (for elliiot) so if there was trouble, that's a good sign!!!! Maybe there's hope. thanks you first timers for voting, I'll try better next time, but it was too late by the time I saw the show . . . "sob" . . . I'll have only myself to blame . . .

I did think Kellie was funny, and her load off her chest comment just tells me there's a bit more behind the act than hot air. Smokin' hot girl, though--and I'm not even straight!

This was the one I was waiting for from Paris, and it was mostly there, still though, she sounded more "billie" at the piano with Rod. (funny how he kept asking ages, when his girl was likely the youngest (sans Paris) in the bunch!

Mcpheever, eh . . . perfect vocal, great look, nice kid, but I just don't get any connection from her. I felt if she had feeling behind all that technical genius I would have wept, but alas . . . still good. And props for having Rod help on the choice--I do think he was trying to flatter her by removing "his" song from the list . . .

Go Elliott--if he can last this week, his renewed confidence could really help him--great to hear him finally relaxed!!!!

I love the comparison of Ace to John Travolta from Pulp Fiction!! That was a horrible look.

What's up with Paula and her cleavage this season? It seemed to be heaving all over the table last night.

I hope last night proved that Kellie has gotten by far more on her looks/back story/well gol-ly routine than on her talent. And her dress looked tacky, like something I wore to a school dance in the 80s... I think Paula's vision is as blurred as her speech.

Why are you all hating on Paris? She was FABULOUS last night! Perfect! Forget about her clothes. You've got to understand that her mother, grandmother and American Idol are the one's dressing her. Besides, you can't put a 17 year old in an evening gown. Who threw that nonsense out there? That's an open invitation for Simon to rip her (yet again) for "playing dress-up".

Paris is suffering from the dreaded "AI Teen Bias". They absolutely do NOT want a teenager to ever win this competition. I'm still trying to figure out why.

Now, I'm going to go on record and state that McPheever will NOT win this competition and that she's only an AVERAGE singer. Did anyone even hear her flatly hold her long notes? So safe and uninspiring. She has no natural talent. She has a connect-the-dots, technical, robotic delivery that is, yes, it is, boring. Everyone is floored by this girl's beauty (heck, so am I) but let's not lose our damn minds here. This is a singing competition, not a beauty pageant.

Finally, I love Pickler and I hope she stays. Force FOX to whack her themselves.

G-Money...OUT!

raggedy_andy, you have know idea what i think about when i hear singing. so try not to guess what's going on in my mind. This is a matter of taste, good or bad..not right and wrong.I've been a fan of Katherine for awhile, but she has a style of singing...and sometimes, style overshadows the content of the song.

Gee, I kind of contradicted myself with my support for Pickler, didn't I? This is a singing competition, not and audition for "Hee-Haw 2006".

Remember the scene in High Fidelity where the guy wants to buy his daughter a copy of "I Just Called to Say I Love You"? And Jack Black says, "There's NO WAY your daughter likes that song." And then: "Oh! Oh! Is she in a coma?"

Some songs were meant to be heard only by coma patients.

I'm hugging my inner puppy even as I type this... my inner puppy being the one that pees on the carpet and chews your favorite sneakers.

Hee-Haw!..Bwahahahahahaha! right on!

I really think the only reason Elliot appears to have no personality is because of his horrible teeth. It almost looks like he's scared to talk much less smile.

Geeze I love elliott, but his bobbing looks a tad boxer-ish, avoiding the blows, or perhaps the buck shot at the shooting gallery!

I personally don't have a problem with Paula's ample cleevage--America is so uptight! She does somehow seem enhanced--padded bra perhaps?

I hope, hope, hope, hope, hope, hope, HOPE this is Kellie's night to go. The only thing worse than having an off night at this stage of the competition is to try and pander for the sympathy vote. What's even more unfortunate is that it will probably work and idiot Kellie will get to stay while my eye candy Ace goes home. Okay, I know Ace is performing on borrowed time (and has been for a while now) but I can't help but root for him. He reminds me of my uncle's cocker spaniel, adorable and dumb. I'd much rather see Ace get a pass for another week than to watch Kellie's excrutiating struggle to go through life with extra chromosomes continue.

chris is such a POSER!! he makes me crazy.
pickler must go home tonight. she can't sing!
elliot and paris can both sing like angels.
taylor is a joke.
katherine's personality shines through in the video segments, and it's not pretty. but she can sang.
ace. you poor pretty thing. i love you. bye.

I was ecstatic that Ace got voted off. There is a God after all.

But I am even more ecstatic that there are so many Elliott fans speaking out all of a sudden. There is hope after all. He should do well next week with the love songs theme.
-Rick

Rick, what is the love theme? Could you please explain? I thought it was opera or something? (I was on the phone when they were talking about it).

Thanks

Great night of performances (except for Ace and Kellie).

Chris - good, I don't get the fanaticism surrounding this guy but he was good nonetheless.

Paris - imo the best performance of the night. Took me back to the auditions and reminded why I fell in love with her voice. There is something hauntingly beautiful about her voice, when paired with the right genre of music. What has Paris done that deserves the level of bashing she regularly receives on this board? Her annoying speaking voice? Well she can't help that. Her changing outfits/hairstyles? She's a 17 year old girl for crying out loud, give her a break.

Taylor - loved it, nailed the ending. I like when he just sings.

Elliot - lovely voice but it was a bit boring.

Kellie - started ok but went off the rails. When did ignorance become something to celebrate?

Ace - please leave.

Katherine - gorgeous face, flawless voice. However, her singing reminded me of those 90's Disney movies like The Little Mermaid or Beauty & the Beast. Technically it was perfect (although I felt she lost her way a bit in the middle) but I didn't get the emotion I felt from the Paris performance.

Results - the right person went home tonight.

dredge, as an aspiring psychic, how can I not try to guess what's on your mind? Just kidding. Seriously though, I was talking about personal taste. When many people don't have a taste for an artist, style, or art form, it's not uncommon for them to group works together and label them all as "the same" and/or "boring", even if they possess only slight similarities (as fans might separate songs based on slight differences). I just like to try to understand things. I think I know what you mean about singing styles sometimes overshadowing songs. Something I don't much care for are those annoying ending runs that Fantasia made me so sick of. Katherine didn't do it anywhere near as badly and excessive as Fantasia did, but I really was hoping she wouldn't do it.

Anyway, sparky, I think I'd have to be in a coma to let Jack Black have a say in what music I'm going to listen to.

Dredge -- In MY world Katharine is the best and in MY world I am always right; but I am fully aware that my world only consists of my living room (or inside my car while driving to work) so it doesn't hold true anywhere else.

I am simply surprised with so many people hating on Katharine with NO real reasons of doing so. I love how we have all become online critics who shout "sharp" or "flat" when 75% of the people on this board couldn't even tell you what those two words mean in relationship to music. They've heard Randy and Paula say those two words enough times they think they can apply them as well. It doesn't work when Joe Schmoe says it but has no idea what it really means.

You are correct in stating your opinion of Kat is simply your opinion. That is what I was stating -- which makes mine no more right nor no more wrong than yours. I don't think her songs have sounded any more similar than either Chris or Taylor's have.

To Derder:

From what I recall, the guest is an Opera Pop crossover artist (I am not familiar with him and can't recall name). He's the coach for the singers next week and he will perform on the elimination show Wednesday but the general theme for the idols themselves is "love songs", or I thought that's what I heard Seacrest say, unless I am mistaken. That's all I know!
Rick

WOW- I totally agree with #26. When I saw Ace, I screamed at my TV- "WHAT THE HELL IS MATTHEW FOX DOING ON AI??!!"
Then I realized what was going on, and muted my TV.