The TV Zone

(Getty)

Good Lord, out a week and a few days and all heck breaks loose on the "AI" front.

Paula Abdul hires a new agent who calls up the Los Angeles Times to say, "sadly, it does not appear Paula will be back next season..."

Or words to that effect. "Sadly" was definitely used, and presumably the agent had a straight face when he said this.

So, gang. Let's break this down, in the easiest way possible. Via the trusty question and answer format.

Is Paula really "gone?"

No, or highly unlikely. Agents - I learned from "Entourage" - have been known to either stretch the truth, or disfigure it so completely as to be beyond recognizable. Also, weasel words were employed - "does not appear." This phrase could be inserted into just about any statement you could think of, and it would be equally meaningless. Sadly, it does not appear the moon is made of green cheese. Sadly, it does not appear the Jets will win the Super Bowl next year. Sadly, it does not appear Simon Cowell will stop wearing t-shirts.

Why is Paula, poor Paula, unhappy?

Because the network/Dr. Evil/19 Entertainment already sealed Ryan Seacrest's deal for $15 million a year. They probably did that because Paula wanted $20 mill - so says Radar - and figured they could at least set the bar with RyCrest. But that feisty old girl wasn't going to be dissuaded from her $20 mill payday; she fired the old agent, hired the new one, who called up the LATimes, and said that sadly, Paula's feeling were hurt.

Why is Fox, 19 Entertainment, Dr. Evil, et al, throwing all this money around?

Because they are afraid. They are afraid that the formula that's kept this thing going is fraying at the seams. They are afraid that viewers now realize the whole voting process is a fraud. They are afraid because teens wouldn't be caught dead watching "Idol" any more. They are afraid because only old people - "old" meaning the over 30 crowd - seem to actually still care. They are afraid because they know the best singer didn't win this season. They are afraid because they know Simon is gonna go soon, and there's nothing they can do about it. They are afraid because they know there is absolutely no way in heaven or in hell that an aging franchise can be restored to its former luster. They are afraid because their bag of tricks is rapidly depleting. So what do fearful producers and suppliers do? They throw money at what they believe are the "sure bets" - the stuff that represents continuity, or presumed viewer interest, or what they think is the rock-solid part of the formula that should be kept intact.

Is it good to be fearful?

No, it's bad to be fearful. Big bucks of this magnitude given to the judges is something, I suspect, akin to an early death rattle. Whenever a show - any show you can name or think of - begins to cave in to exorbitant salary demands, then this is what might be called a "last resort" strategy. Let me put it this way - in three years time, you aren't going to treble RyCrest's salary again, are you? He would then be making $45 mill per year - on a show where the ratings had continued to decline and in an industry (television) where advertising dollars had continued to be drained to new media, and where viewership continued to fragment. All Fox/Dr.Evil/19 Entertainment is doing is buying time, and a very brief window of time at that.

So, will Paula get her dough?

Of course, though I'm guessing close to 15 or a slight increase over RyCrest to assuage her ego. SiCo wants her back because he doesn't want to see this franchise - which he has a considerable financial stake in - crash and burn just as he negotiates his own new deal with Fox, which will almost certainly include new projects and maybe even "The X Factor."
But consider this: They can't give Paula TOO much of a hike over RyCrest or Randy, because if they did, those two would be furious and demand that their contracts be re-negotiated. In other words, Fox et al are tied to about $135 million in judge/host commitments over the next three years whether they like it or not - and that doesn't begin to include SiCo.
You can now see how great hits contain the seeds of their own demise...

Oh, would "AI" crash without Paula?

As fond as I am of the dear girl - as fond as I am of all of them, including RyCrest - no. Life would go on. It might accelerate the inevitable decline and fall though. And after reading this far into this post, you now know what the inevitable is. But the chemistry of this foursome works (Kara simply does not) and if you had your druthers...

What should Fox et al do?

Ah, that's fodder for another post...

King o' the world? (Getty Images Photo)

I see the press has its tighty-whities all in knot over the report out the U.K. yesterday that Simon Cowell - SiCo - has been offered $144 million a year to continue on "American Idol."

The Post even has a banner headline, or something, seeming to suggest that it's true, and because the Post is owned by Rupert Murdoch who will presumably pay SiCo this sum, then it MUST be true.

-Photos: Simon Cowell

Except that it's highly dubious.

Let me re-phrase: I don't believe it.

Here's the graph in the Guardian story that has caused all the uproar. It's buried deep, deep, deep - as if a throwaway, as if the writer herself didn't even believe it, and I bet she didn't (the Guardian story is, by the way, quite good):

"A source close to Fuller says that Cowell has already been offered three to four times the $36m he was paid for American Idol in 2008 - but then, he is the most important person on the show and the series makes $900m a year and attracts audiences of 25 million. The point is that Cowell makes nothing more than this admittedly large performance fee and that's the gap the Green deal hopes to fill. " ("Green refers to Sir Philip Green, the retailer that SiCo's working out a deal with...)

You can almost see the writer smile as she writes these words.

Let's translate:

"A source close to Fuller..."

"Fuller," is - of course - Simon Fuller, my own Dr. Evil, who despises SiCo with all the furies of hell and beyond. He sued SiCo over patent infringement (I think it was patent infringement) over "The X Factor" and they settled out of court.

This "source close to Fuller" is repeating gossip that's been out there for weeks - and it's probably bogus gossip. Why should a "source close to Fuller" know what SiCo is doing anyway? This is hurtful information to Cowell - Dr. Evil's handiwork.

"... already been offered three to four times ..."

More bogosity! Three to four times? Vague, wouldn't you say?

Why would Rupert want to play this up? Maybe to embarrass SiCo? Who knows.

But there is NO WAY Fox is going to pay him $144M a year. Impossible. That would exceed the profit of the entire Fox network, in all probability, and wipe out whatever's left, too. It would be the highest services contract fee in TV history, by a vast margin. It would be suicidal - for Fox and for the entire TV industry. The TV industry isn't baseball and it isn't even basketball. Anyway, the last time I checked even Kobe wasn't making $144 m a year.

It would be stupid beyond stupid.

Let's get this straight: Fox knows SiCo is leaving one of these days, sooner than later. My hunch: He'll re-up for two more years beyond the season he's taping now. Gives Fox/ 19 Entertainment time to groom a successor, etc.

He'll get something far more important than mere money in return; what? Maybe an astronomical sum for "The X Factor," owned outright by our man.

SiCo's not looking for a mere $144 M a year to host "American Idol." That's chump change. He's looking to rule the world. For him, that's much more interesting.

Surprise!

And - you ask - like, who else was he gonna sign with?

Details/quotes out now:

"Kris won the hearts of millions of Americans with his soulful voice, good looks and gracious demeanor,” stated Dr. Evil, Creator and Executive Producer of American Idol and Founder & CEO of 19 Entertainment. “However it is his passion for music and love of performing that will make sure Kris stands the test of time and makes 'American Idol' proud.”

"As exciting as the last few months have been, I'm really looking forward to what is next,” says Kris Allen. “I'm very grateful to be working with Dr. Evil and his team at 19 Entertainment, along with Barry Weiss and Jive Records on my debut album. Everyone's been asking me what it's going to sound like. It will be very similar to what you heard from me on the show -- definitely in the pop/rock genre. I can't wait to get started!"

Strange but true: "Idol," and not for the first time, is passing by the Greatest City in the World for auditions.

The schedule below, just announced...What potential Adam Lambert will turn up in the next few months. (And will there be four judges apprising these candidates?)

Cities Dates Venues

Boston, MA Sunday, June 14 Gillette Stadium

Atlanta, GA Thursday, June 18 Georgia Dome

Los Angeles, CA Tuesday, June 30 Rose Bowl

Orlando, FL Thursday, July 9 Amway Arena

Denver, CO Tuesday, July 14 INVESCO Field at Mile High

Chicago, IL TBD TBD

Dallas, TX TBD TBD

As you know, reps of Fox and AT&T yesterday hurriedly ran out to the parapets of the Bastille, looked down balefully upon the surging mob, and then threw down a pair of statements in an effort to quell the unruly peasants.

"They wants answers?" said the gendarme in charge. "THEN WE'LL GIVE THEM ANSWERS!"

Here are the statements, as reprinted (again) in this morning's LA Times, as referenced to the power voting that AT&T sponsored for Kris Allen at a couple of venues in Arkansas:

AT&T employees were "caught up in the enthusiasm of rooting for their hometown contestant. Going forward, we will make sure our employees understand our sponsorship celebrates the competition, not individual contestants."

And Fox: "Fox and the producers of 'American Idol' are absolutely certain that the results of this competition are fair, accurate and verified," the network and producers said in a joint statement Wednesday. "Kris Allen is, without a doubt, the American Idol. We have an independent third-party monitoring procedure in place to ensure the integrity of the voting process. In no way did any individuals unfairly influence the outcome of the competition."

But wait! Mr. Gendarme! If in "no way did any individuals unfairly influence the outcome of the competition" then what about the AT&T employees who taught Allen fans how to power vote? Do you mean to say that these "individuals" thus FAIRLY influenced the outcome?

Note to Fox and AT&T: Maybe next time you send out dueling statements, best to make sure they don't contradict one another.

Meanwhile: I have more questions...

- How much money does AT&T make from the text votes cast during a regular edition of "American Idol?"

- As a condition of his victory, will Kris Allen be required to do any promotional activity for AT&T or any of its various subsidiaries?

- Why doesn't Fox tell fans exactly how many text votes were cast and for whom? Why is this such a secret and how - as Fox seems to be saying - could such information somehow taint the voting process going forward?

Let me be clear - I'm not accusing anyone, even in my own rabble-rousing, storm-the-Bastille-via-blogging kind of way, that anything untoward happened. In fact, I believe Fox on this one - why allow ANYONE, even a powerful sponsor, to taint your most important franchise?

But it would be nice to have a little more than a few leaflets of meaningless paper tossed out the windows of the Bastille...

Meanwhile, check out MadDogUSA's message on the jump! It appears he has some answers...

Yup, we wanted a recount. We demanded a recount.

And now I'm wondering: Will we ever get a recount?

On the jump, check out this piece by the Arkansas Post-Democrat, which wrote up some sort of party whereby AT&T provided "about 50 display units and representatives to teach multiple 'power texting.' (The NYT picked up this week-old story last night,which suddenly made it "real news," I suppose.) AT&T also made about 30 phones available in a 'texting zone' at a watch party at the Peabody Little Rock hotel, where Megan Lynch and friend Rainey Gibson, both 22, watched Allen perform his first song of the night..."

My question: Why did AT&T do this? Is it because AT&T gets $$'s everytime someone texts a message via its service?

I wonder what the answer is.

And how many of these parties did AT&T help/supply?

(I wonder what the answer is...)

And why is AT&T the only provider that lets you text in "American Idol" votes?

(I wonder what the answer is...)

And finally, did 19 Entertainment, and "Idol" and Fox know about these parties, or other organized efforts, and know that a vast amount of texting would certainly create a curious end result? And because AT&T is a major sponsor, did they turn a blind eye?

Altogether now: We wonder what the answers are...

-Photos of Kris Allen and Adam Lambert together and apart backstage and on-stage, and celebrities at the "American Idol" finale

1) -Click here for photos of all of Adam Lambert's "American Idol" outfits this season

-Click here for photos of all of Kris Allen's "American Idol" outfits this season

2) Photos of Adam, Kris and Danny with their hometown fans | "American Idol" trading cards

3) Inside the after-party for the 13 "American Idol" finalists

Continue reading ""American Idol:" Kris Allen(gate)? " »

The culprits?

It's a good thing I've had major computer problems all day because otherwise, I'd have continued to rant and rave, and made an even greater nuisance of myself than normal.

As it is, I've calmed down. Adam lost. The voters are idiots. I'll get over it, and in fact, I have.

But I had a nice chat with Richard Fobes of Votefair.org earlier today. Richard's an accomplished "creative problem solver," which means (in part) that he scrutinizes issues or concerns that would appear to be driven by obvious factors when in fact less-obvious ones may have equal or greater impact.

In any event, he says texting tipped the balance in favor of Kris, and that Adam was in the fact the more popular contestant - a fact born out on his website and others. (In fact, DialIdol, which does measure the busy signals, had Kris slightly ahead in the phone poll, but it also had Gilles Marini ahead in the phone poll too...)

Richard says all the stuff about homophobia etc. is bunk; young kids went for Kris and they blew out everyone with texting. If you wanna read a little more on this, I have a wrap on the subject in tomorrow's Newsday. On the jump.

(And check out the comment by "MsWrite" on comments; it's very informative...)

Continue reading ""American Idol:" Did Text Tip the Balance?" »

(Ray Mickshaw / Fox Photo)

For breakfast, an order of crow.

But first this -- I demand a recount. Can the Supreme Court get involved in this? Should that lawyer who worked for Al Gore back in 2000 get a call? On second thought, maybe not him.

A pox on the "American Idol" electorate. To repeat myself until blue, purple, green in the face: Does anyone anywhere really truly believe the best singer won tonight? In all my years of "Idolatry," this was the single grossest miscarriage of justice I've ever witnessed here. So bad that it calls into question the whole damn enterprise which is -- and I quote -- TO FIND THE BEST DAMN POP SINGER ON THE PLANET. Not the cutest, or nicest, or sweetest, or most pleasant, or most agreeable, or gosh-darned wonderful.

To find the best damn singer. Period. This year, miracle of miracles, silly old "Idol" did exactly that. Lambert's one of the best this show has ever produced, and instead of winning for all the right reasons, he lost for all the wrong ones -- too ambiguous, too glam, too left or right coast, too not-cute-enough.

How else could this happen? Simple theory: Fans of Danny Gokey sided with Kris Allen.

But enough of my rant. Congrats to Kris. Great kid. Fine talent. Good for him. On the jump, the newspaper wrap, plus some other quickie observations about the night, and finale -- which I thought was actually very good all in all, with the exception of the last three seconds. (And thanks for reading all this "Idol" stuff on "Zone" this season. I hope and pray no one put $ down on my prediction for the finale; refunds not available.)

Now, let's see what's on the menu for breakfast...

Continue reading ""American Idol:" Recount! Glambert Shoulda Won" »

No ambiguity: Adam wins tonight. (Becker/Fox)

Does anyone anywhere think Kris is going to win tonight? (Yes, my esteemed and astute colleague, Glenn Gamboa does. We diverge on this one...)

If so, I love their sense of adventure, that "anything-can-happen" spirit.

But, they are also wrong. If Kris wins tonight, it will be the biggest upset in "Idol" history - all eight seasons or so. Can upsets happen? Sure. Not this time. This is a talent competition, and the most talented should win. And tonight, the most talented will.

If I have to eat crow on this one tomorrow, fine. I'll eat crow. But if that turns out to be breakfast, than I can proceed with the grim satisfaction that at least the voters got it wrong.

Did Kris put up a good fight? Of course, though both guys struggled with Kara's song. (In the back of my head, this flitting thought - why a song from Kara? A parting gift from "American Idol?")

I've also sifted through all the various theories out there - the most notable one being, "Kris has a more marketable voice, while Adam is more Broadway-centric." What amazes me about the wrong-headedness of this is that the judges don't buy it. THEY clearly want Adam to win, and at some point, you have to ask yourself, "why do they want Adam to win?"

The answer is really really simple - because they, and Simon especially, believe he will sell more records than Kris. And why do they believe this? Because...Adam's more versatile and musically gifted. Believe me, they don't expect him to do cuts from "Phantom of the Opera" on his first studio album; he'll do stuff that'll get airplay and sell.

My wrap from last night...

Let's start off quoting Ryan:
"The guy next door versus the guy liner."
(Groan.)
And Ryan again:
"Plan on it" - tonight's finale - "going long."
Groan again. This time long and loud.
Because let's face it. The eighth season ended last night. Adam wins. Turn out the lights.
A nice penultimate night, but not a hair-raiser either. We started with a pair of well-known performances (Adam Lambert's Tears for Fear's "Mad World" and Kris Allen's "Ain't No Sunshine," courtesy Bill Withers.) A tie.
Then, the Simon Fuller ("Idol" boss) choice. This time, Lambert - singing Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" - pulled away from Allen ("What's Goin' On.")
Finally, they both performed a song by Kara DioGuardi, Cathy Dennis and Mitch Allan entitled “No Boundaries.” My thoughts? To quote Bart Simpson, "Meh."
And to quote Simon Cowell, "I'm not going to judge the song. I'm going to judge you...
"Congratulations."
Honestly, Adam Lambert – California guy with guy-liner and the spectacular stage presence - is so clearly, completely, ridiculously the winner of this season’s “American Idol” that you certainly don’t need to read this far to know that. But the larger, arguably more important point is that much-maligned “American Idol” had a pretty good season, and produced a first-rate winner.
What more can you expect from the show?

(Gustavo Caballero, Getty Images)

Out of the just concluded Fox conference call, there was THIS interesting little aside: Will Kara be back? You know - Kara DioGuardi, the fifth wheel on the four-wheel bus AKA the "Idol" judging panel.

Kevin Reilly, whom you know, was asked: How many judges will return? (which was a smart way of asking about Kara because we already know three will be back, and we know which ones.)

"I can't comment on that right now," while adding that after the season ends. "we'll sit down and look at the show, like we do every year."

(Which begs the question - they're not sitting down and looking at it NOW? But that's another story...)

When an exec issues a no comment with respect to talent, as opposed to an "O my God, we LOVE him/her, and the franchise would be lost without him/her," it usually means one of two things:

a.) They're in the middle of contract negotiations with the talent, or;

b.) They've already made up their minds, and it's over.

Why would Kara be gone if the answer lies behind Door B.? If she is - and I'm not drawing a conclusion one way or another - it's because they think she hasn't necessarily added anything, while soaking up extra minutes that the show has been -ill-prepared to adjust to, explaining the multiple overages this season, forcing several million people to physically hurl their DVRs through the living room window (and then submitting the bill to Fox.)

(Becker/Getty)

Last week I mused about Lambert getting the boot - sort of a fraught "what if" post about the crazy possibility that people might actually not vote for Lambert because they think he's so good that he doesn't need their vote, so why bother.

Consider the fear allayed. He's in. He's won. Game over.

I mean, really. The U2 was not exactly an interpretation I'd embrace, but "Cryin'?" Just unbeatable. The best of the night. One of the best of the season (and if anything HAS been better, he's sung it), and one of the best performances in "Idol" history.

Plus, it was sage of Simon to close with a real insistence that people actually get off their duffs to vote for him. So, I'm thinking that in some small corner of his mind he too is afraid Lambert could be in trouble. After all, Simon's gone on every talk show from "Oprah" to local access cable predicting Lambert's ultimate victory; Sico doesn't want to look silly; Dr. Evil doesn't want Sico to look silly either. So he made a valiant effort to seal the deal for the leader last night.

Maybe what's most amazing about Lambert is to have watched the guy grow over the season; did anyone really truly expect, based on his audition, that he'd be the next "AI?"

Meanwhile, my other prediction: Danny's gone tonight.

Life's not fair, but someone's gotta go . . . (Becker/Fox)

And...my wrap for tomorrow:

"Cry Baby"..."Slow Ride"..."Someone to Watch Over Me..."Hot Stuff." Is there any song that this gutsy kid messed up over the last three or four weeks? Over the last two months? Not really, but Los Angeles native Allison Iraheta still came up on the short of a vote that totaled 64 million. That's an "Idol" record for a non-finale, by the way, so Iraheta knows she has at least gone out in a blaze of glory.

This end was not pre-ordained, by the way. She way better than Danny Gokey’s now-famous shriek performance from Tuesday's show, and had more vocal power than Kris Allen. (Adam Lambert? He's the winner anyway, so...)

Some more thoughts on last night:

Slash? Who woulda thought he would have been the best mentor/judge of the season, but that he was. His criticisms actually seemed constructive -- not the usual "he/she can REALLY sing" blather. Then last night, the group sing, "School's out for Summer;" not bad, either, and maybe the reason the set collapsed in rehearsal Tuesday.

Paula, singing her "I'm Just here for the Music" single? Why not just pretend to be Simon at this juncture? Here goes: "Good, but just a little old-fashioned. And why channel Britney, or yourself, from 10 years ago? And that ghastly light show. It just gave me a headache. But that said, Paula, I'm fairly certain you'll be back next week..."

Chris Daughtry, back, on this stage: This was a big deal, no doubt (yes, No Doubt also sang; quite nice.) He then performs a new single off a new July album, which is officially titled, "Leave this Town." How vivid, Ryan asked, was his loss on this stage three years ago? "Very, very vivid. In that time it felt like the world was coming to an end, but I got over that in 30 seconds." Good perspective for Allison.

(Fox Photo)

I hope that catches your attention because it was supposed to, but the question is a serious one: Could he go?

Maybe a better way to put this: Is there a chance? Sure. A big one? No. But a chance ...

And I think the reason is this: There comes a time in any "Idol" season, last one excepted, when a performance is so outstanding that it seems to magically, mysteriously or maddeningly turn off a switch in the heads of millions of viewers who would normally pick up the phone, or text the vote, or otherwise call attention to the best in the only way this show allows. So good is a particular performance that there's almost a shrug, or numbness, translated as - the performance was so outstanding that the very gods will take care of him (or her) so why bother?

This reflex has scuttled Jennifer Hudson, Melinda Doolittle and Chris Daughtry: They were not merely the best in their respective seasons (3, 5 and 6) but outrageously the best; so far and away the best that the need to actually vote for them seemed redundant.

Will this happen with Lambert - so far and away the best that the eighth season is now officially over? (And last night's performance was probably one of the five most memorable in "Idol" history). Probably not, but last week's hiccup was a warning sign: Simon blamed it on the staircase, which seems to me like blaming bad weather here on a butterfly's wing-beat in China. He came in the bottom two because the switch had been turned on - the illogic of inaction had superseded the logic of action: Lambert is so good that he'll be OK.

Again, this probably won't happen again tonight because last week was a wake-up call, and fans really have learned - as per last season - that if they didn't vote for Archuleta or Cook, then Castro or White would have gotten to the finish line.

Simon thinks she's "cute" (Access Hollywood pix)

Well, this is about as official as it gets - Simon just told viewers of "Ellen" that he wants Kara DioGuardi back on "Idol" next season.

"I think everyone's back - yeah, absolutely..."

Adds: "The advantages [of having her] outweigh the disadvantages. I've gotten to know Kara. I like her. She's cute."

More interesting stuff about Adam Lambert, who he says he wants to win..and will win ("it's Adam's to win...")

So why last week's bottom three?

"The staircase...one hundred percent."

The stairs! Yes, the stairs... Said the stairs, which Ryan wanted as a prop : "Made him appear pompous...you don't give yourself that type of entrance."

Ellen wondered: "What if he gave himself an escalator?"

Last season, during David Cook's victory sprint, there were occasional references to Adam, his brother who was undergoing treatment for cancer. David himself rarely brought it up but you knew his personal struggle was there, in the background - a part of his life that was inescapable. Adam was in the audience too, on occasion. He was - it now seems in hindsight - his biggest supporter, and David seemed to be his.

Adam, 37, has succumbed; per AP, "David Cook announced the Saturday death at the 12th annual Race for Hope 5K in Washington, D.C., where he was serving as grand marshal. The singer says the cause of death was a brain tumor."

And the rest of the piece:

"Adam Cook was a lawyer and married father from Terre Haute, Ind., who battled cancer for more than a decade. He famously cheered for his singing sibling in the audience of the popular Fox signing competition's seventh season in 2008.

"Adam is the eldest of Cook's brothers. A younger sibling, Andrew, also tried out for the show but didn't make it to Hollywood.

"The death was first reported by People.com."

Slash as mentor next week...now (hear) this: Daughtry will be back (again) on the stage that made him famous. He'll perform a new single called "No Surprise" from his new album, out mid-July. Said Chris in a statement, "'American Idol' fans have been so loyal to this band, we wanted to give them the first listen to our new single."

(Michael Becker, Fox)

What more can be said about Adam Lambert's performance last night that hasn't already been said by 24 million viewers or by four exultant judges.

It was one of the great "Idol" performances of the season. He and Kris pretty much held the field, with Danny just a quarter step behind...and Allison just about dead even with him...

So here's what I can add: Once again, Lambert established that he knows more about music and music history than anyone else on that stage, and perhaps more than the judges themselves. I guuess - as Idolator has it - this was based on Muse's version of "Feeling Good" (I think there have been a million and fourteen different versions over the years, so Muse sounds good to me...)

But what about that entrance. That glam, ham, wham-bam, slam of an entrance.... Unless I'm mistaken, maybe borrowed from Georges Guétary's famous dance number in "An American in Paris." You know the number - singing that old 1922 Gershwin show tune, "I'll Build a Staircase to Paradise," Guétary ascends and then descends (or maybe I've got the order reversed) a lit staircase. Yeah, sure, of course: Many shows, even "Dancing with the Stars," have used the ol' lit staircase routine over the years, but Lambert's entrance felt more directly in homage to one of the more famous scenes in MGM musical history...

Next, that song. My God, everyone else sings standards from greats like Cole Porter et al, while Adam pulls down a song by Anthony Newley, one of the most important songwriters of the '60s, who died ten years ago. "Feeling Good," in fact, was co-written with his long-time musical partner Leslie Bricusse; these guys wrote some of the biggest shows of the decade, though I don't think they're played much anymore. (A title does live on in popular cultural - "Stop the World - I Want to Get Off.")

So here's my question about Adam Lambert: This kid is so smart, so good, so talented - one of the best "Idols" ever - why did it take this show to make him famous? He shoulda been famous already...

A very good night for all contestants - though I suspect Matt's hours are numbered...

Check out this old trailer from "Paris;" scroll to the 1:50 mark and you'll see the staircase scene; all Adam was missing were the showgirls...

What can I say?

(What, umm, did I say earlier?)

But why go backwards? If America wants to make a mistake, America's entitled.

Lil Rounds deserved one more go-round. Anoop, one of my favorites from the minute I learned he got his masters or PhD in barbecuing, is gone too.

Here's tomorrow's wrap tonight...

"Bummer.

'Noop and Lil.

Somehow this end didn't seem right. But it was what is was, and at th is point in the game - two down, five to go - disappointment's inevitable.

But still...

Two gutsy, interesting, enjoyable underdogs, Anoop Desai and Lil Rounds, ended up in an "Idol" double elimination last night. If you listened to Simon - and we all do, don't we? - this was no surprise. Also, if you listened to the rest of the finalists Tuesday - particularly Adam Lambert and Kris Allen - then process of elimination probably made these the two most likely names to go.

But still...

Some other thoughts on the night...

Paula's night. In a first for "Idol," Paula does what Paula used to do best - choreograph. The group dance - the Jackson's "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)" - was a Paula creation, and as group dances went, this one was success. Nice moves (but, umm, were all those lips moving with the sounds coming out what's called "lip-syncing?" Just asking.)

Disco night at the Bellagio. Or the Luxor. Or... "Idol." Who could tell...I mean, Harry Wayne Casey, of KC and the Sunshine Band? Thelma Houston, or Freda Payne singing the song that only Freda Payne can sing (by law), "Band of Gold." Another bunch of good "Idol" moments.

And David Archuletta. Memory fails, but was his voice that husky last year? Or was it just a little bit of tour rust? He sang "Touch My Hand," from last
fall, promoted some forthcoming tour with Demi Lovato, and gave the bottom two a pep talk. They needed one."

(Fox/Getty)

Let's assume the judges were right. Let's assume Lil tanked. Let's assume her Chaka Khan was shocka bomb. But let's also assume millions and millions of viewers decided they didn't agree.

Let's further assume they voted for her and will push her through to another week.

I'm going with that assumption. Moreover, I'm going with this too - that what the judges saw viewers did not. Upon reflection, I understand exactly where they're coming from on this call: That her interpretation of "I'm Every Woman" was much too much someone else's. Kara actually pinned this one down well: "You've been every woman on that stage - every woman but yourself."

But Simon? Her vocals were a "mess?" A grand and blithering denunciation that was also wrong. (Her biggest problem was that others were in fact better - Kris Allen, Gokey, Lambert...)

So who goes home tonight? I'm going to go to a smart reader on this one - Britt, of Floral Park, who writes in: "I think 'Noop Dog and Matt are going home and Kris might go next week. 'Noop Dog is not a favorite because he had too many weeks in the bottom 3. Disco should be over for Matt because he was not very good tonight. Even though the judges saved him, he should go home. Lil is my favorite. I think she will be in the finals with Adam and Danny and I want Allison to go that far. Adam and Allison were the best singers tonight and they will always be that way. Either Adam or Danny will win, but I want the winner to be Allison or Lil."

OK! There you have it. An "Idol" expert, from the heart.

Meanwhile, check out this old clip of Chaka Khan on "Oprah." Though grainy, ancient and fogged by the years, you can see why her version was so spectacular, and why anyone else who tries this on for size risks chastisement of the particularly acidic Simon Cowell variety...

Interview with our beloved Paula on this Thursday's "Nightline," and ABC just sent out some of the transcript. Please head south to the jump for that...

Any bulletins here? Honestly, none, but - and though this may have been asked - I am struck by the fact that Cynthia McFadden didn't bring up SiCo's ruminations about departure. Maybe she did, but the response is not included here.

Here's the newsiest bit:

On her Idol Contract:

MCFADDEN: So is your contract up?

ABDUL: Cynthia, this is my last season under contract.

MCFADDEN: Do you think she [Kara] will replace you?

ABDUL: I don’t think anyone [can]. First of all Kara says I could never replace you. And I said I whenever there is change it’s not about replacing anybody it’s about possibly moving on.

MCFADDEN: So do you want to stay on the show or not?

ABDUL: I love the show, I do. I love what I do on the show and I’m loving it more this season than ever. It’s taken me a while to get comfortable in my own skin with the show.

Check it all out...here...

(Pix: Getty)

Continue reading "Paula to "Nightline:" Wants to Stay on "Idol"" »

This is interesting AND kinda unexpected: Fantasia has singed, errr, signed a deal with VH1 to star in a 2010 reality series, as reported this morning by Hollywood Reporter's James Hibberd. The details:

"Fantasia has one of the most fascinating stories in show business, from her tough upbringing to her meteoric rise on the national scene thanks to 'American Idol,' " Jeff Olde, top programming guy at VH1 told HR. "Her challenges from fame and her unwillingness to fail have combined to create a larger-than-life talent who appeals to music lovers around the world. So many people wanted to work with her on this, but Fantasia is now part of the VH1 family, and we're so happy to have her." It'll track her life as siingle mom and recording artist...

(Pix: Getty)

Another amazing fact about the amazing contestant, Scott MacIntyre, out last week: He had a kidney transplant. Told viewers this morning on "Live with Reeg and Kelly:"

"I didn’t want to bring that up during the competition,” he said. “The blindness is obvious but I didn’t want all my challenges to weigh in the voting and now that I’m off the show, people are finding out about it.”

“I can remember a time when I actually didn’t have enough strength to sit and play and vocalize at the piano, so every day on Idol is just a blessing for me and I am healthy now.”

(Pix: Getty)

"Smoking?"

"Wearing t-shirts?"

"Bugging Paula?..."

"Using the word 'horrible...'"

Oh, the anticipation of this blog post...

WHAT COULD SIMON POSSIBLY QUIT????

Howabout "American Idol?"

Yes, friends...and, oh, by the way, Happy Easter...that is the big news on the other side of the pond. Sico gave an interview to the London Mirror where he says the following...

"...He admits that even he cannot keep up his hectic workload for too much longer. 'I don’t want to come over as whiney because I am very grateful that I have got these jobs,' he says.

'But there is a point where I am not sure we can keep this schedule up. It takes longer and longer to make these shows because you have to put more into them, and I am not sure we can sustain me doing three shows a year, with the record label and the TV production company.

'Most people do one show a year and I do three and they involve a lot of traveling. One may have to go. I don’t know which one. That is the problem, I like all of them. I can’t imagine not doing Britain’s Got Talent and I can’t imagine not doing X Factor. But I guess America is more likely to go because I have got one year under contract. Maybe that will be the end.'”

Now, I ask you: What is "America?" Is that a show, or a country, or...what?

The Mirror insists it's "American Idol."

(But I suspect it's his green card.)

In fact, SiCo has threatened to "quit" before...(And wouldn't YOU like to quit a job that pays about $8-10 million per?)...So I'm assuming there's a disagreement with Fox/Simon Fuller/Sony BMG over something. God knows what. A few years ago, he threatened to quit because Sony/BMG didn't get rights to sign the future winner of the 5th season of "American Idol," and you know how that turned out. It got the rights...

But it's late and my memory is fading away...point is, Simon, like all smart TV guys, makes off-handed threats in certain corners of the press (though typically the NYT) to scare the parties involved. They bend to whatever his demands are, and life goes on...

And so it will.

(Pix: by Michael Becker, Fox)

And....my wrap in tomorrow's paper...should you care..

"Amazing guy, but sometimes...amazing isn't good enough. Scott MacIntyre was sent home last night.And then, there were seven.

Why send Scott home? Well...who else are you gonna boot? Anoop?

"Scott, someone's got to make a decision here," said Simon, self-appointed decision-maker. "And it's the end of the competition."

In a credit to his genuine talent, MacIntyre actually made it tough for the judges last night - 30 million votes and only 30,000 (per Ryan Seacrest) separating him and Anoop Desai. But there was to be no recount. The judges, or at least Simon, made the right decision.

In a hard-to-define kind of way, this has been a expedient season. Someone's gotta go. Last night, Scott went. But it could have been Lil (though shouldn't have been) or the cat of dozen lives, Anoop. All of the contestants to this point are certainly solid, talented, proficient, well-voiced (is there such a term? Whatever..) and telegenic. But all of them, with the exception of the clear front runner - Adam Lambert - lack something. "Something," in this case, is most easily defined as "exciting" or "defiantly different." Kris Allen? Wonderful. But (umm) just a little dull. Lil? Matt Giraud? Still not sure who she or he is. Allison? Great big voice, but... Anoop? A couple of lives to go perhaps.

That leaves us with the two who will end up winning this thing a month and a week from now: Danny Gokey or Lambert.

Scott - who sang Survivor's old chestnut, "The Search is Over," has one of the richest backgrounds of any contestant in "Idol" history - scholarships, awards, degrees the length of your arm. Plus, he's been one of the most likable contestants on that stage over eight seasons.

But again, this isn't about "likable." It's about ratings and selling records."

Been running around and just now catching with up with this ginned-up "controversy" over "millions who missed" Adam's performance and - per a hyperventilating Yahoo - which has now become a "major production FIASCO!" Or hyperventilated words to that effect.

Bad news, lovers of controversy as it relates to "Idol." Big nothing happened. The performance went as planned. It ended as planned. It was seen by millions, as planned. His numbers were posted, as planned, and re-posted during the re-cap as planned.

What was missing? A few judges comments: BIG DEAL. Simon spoke for everyone when he gave Adam's Tears for Fears performance a standing O. What more could Adamoids have wanted? Yes, something happened with the DVR clock, which meant those recording may have indeed lost the performance or parts thereof. But would these fans have voted anyway? Sure, a few, but certainly a lot fewer than the many millions who watch in real time.

And don't worry. He'll be fine tonight. He'll be fine May 19 when he (maybe) wins, too.

-Click here for photos of all of Adam Lambert's different looks on "American Idol" this season

1) Click here for photos of all of the finalists singing on stage

2) Vote in our poll for your favorite finalist

3) See photos from inside the after-party for the 13 "American Idol" finalists

4) Check out the other entries, conversations and latest news on our "American Idol" blog

Fox Photo

Megan, Megan, Megan!

It was about time, time, time!

Go to Newsday's terrific "American Idol" blog for more, more, more.

Meanwhile, here's my wrap in tomorrow's Newsday. Thanks as always for reading...

Our "Idol" April Fool?
Sorry, Megan, it was you.
But not to worry. You got this far, sang some sad songs, some glad ones, and some bad ones, but at least Simon said some nice things about you in the process. In any event, the show must go on, and you must go out.
But don't feel bad. Tuesday was a rough night for a few others (as Randy Jackson pointed out.) Even Wednesday was rough. Lady Gaga sang a very rousing rendition of "Poker Face" which managed to put even David Cook (last year's winner; Platinum record seller) in his place. Oh well. It was April Fool's Day. What did he expect?
Megan Joy Corkrey's departure was deserved. She had heart, looks and guts. But her gifts didn't match the gifts of the others; she landed in the bottom three with Anoop Desai, and Allison Iraheta. Megan Joy seems like a nice kid (23, from Sandy, Utah) and gave a classy farewell. But show biz isn't about "nice" and almost never about classy.
Speaking of which, Simon Cowell - a man with an arctic temperament - was asked if he was going to save her. He looked up, his eyes narrowed to a slit, and then the frosted dagger: "When you said YOU don't care, nor do we." He was referring to a comment she had made earlier - a sort of "I don't care WHAT the judges thing..."
OK , sports fans, where do we stand? With two major front-runners, Adam Lambert and Danny Gokey, a possible surprise - Kris Allen, who's been terrific the last couple of weeks - and the rest of the crowd bringing up the rear. We've got weeks to go, but already the eighth season feels so over, no?
But surprises await...

Now, just to clear the air here - that line that Simon used on "Tonight" the other night, in which he declared that he didn't have lunch with the prez because they couldn't match up their "diaries?"

"IT WAS A JOKE." That's the news from last night, when he told Ryan - who questioned him about the comment. "It was a joke," said Sico.

But was it? Sure sounded serious to me...Judge for yourself. Meanwhile, my hunch is Simon got considerable flack for the "Tonight" comment, which led to the clarification.

I suppose only film junkies will get this reference.

But is poor Megan Joy, who I felt so sorry for last night, Susan Alexander Kane?

So, just to tease this a little further out: Is Simon Cowell (or better yet, Doctor Evil! ) Charles Foster Kane himself?

And...at the risk of dragging this out completely beyond all reason or rationale, who then is Jedediah Leland? The critic who gets trashed before writing the review - because he knows that once he does, Kane will fire him forthwith?

Of course I'm talking about "Citizen Kane," and I am making a leap here of almost mythic proportions, but watching Megan Joy's performance of "For Once in My Life," and then listening to it again, and again and again via Youtube, the scene in "Kane" kept flashing through my mind: Poor kept woman Susan Kane, played by Dorothy Comingore, was finally forced to perform her Massenet for the masses, under duress by the powerful, bloated and horrible man himself, who knew full well that all of his papers would certainly provide glowing reviews.

All except the flagship.

Please, don't ask me why I kept thinking about this scene, or why Megan Joy's No. 1 champion (until last night, I suppose) Simon Cowell, reminds me of Charles Foster Kane.

These things just happen. Here's the clip...

See if you agree...There's a reason great art sometimes parallels real life...

Meanwhile, it's over for Megan tonight. This cruelty cannot continue.

One fine thing about "American Idol" -- one of admittedly a few -- is that just when you've decided you've figured an edition out, and have reached iron-clad assumptions that can not be broken under any circumstance whatsoever ... you then break your iron-clad assumptions. The show manages this trick in a number of ways but certainly one effective way are the thematic weeks. Those tend to bring out different skill sets, or refract personalities in entirely different ways. Or surprising ways.

Last night: A pretty good night overall. Yeah, some disappointments. Alexis Grace, one of my favorites, basically mimicked Dolly Parton. Megan Joy -- who now apparently has dropped the "Corkrey" -- continues to mystify me. I know she was ill, but what in the name of COUNTRY did the judges see in that peculiar Patsy Cline performance? Lil Rounds? Only...so-so.

Who goes tonight? My wild guess: Allison Iraheta.

Meanwhile, Kris Allen. He was best. Why? Because he took a reasonably well-known song ("To Make You Feel My Love") by a extraordinarily well-known singer (Garth Brooks) and recast in a way that was surprisingly intimate for a show that lauds and rewards out-there performances with gutsy vocals or (especially) high C's that don't break the camera lens. "Idol" reveres drama, so rare is that performance that twists the formula around, as Allen did so well. Sure, the song is corn, but some of the best country is. A winner.

Allen didn't get the most votes -- I'm sure Danny Gokey did, as usual -- but he got enough to keep him around, and make voters pay a little more attention next time ... By the way, I thought Adam Lambert's high-camp drag version of "Ring of Fire" was darned good too, so there you have it...

Here's a nice clip of Allen. See if you agree on second hearing....

(Dan Hogan/Getty)

I KNEW that headline would get your attention.

And honestly...it's a possibility. I'm not sure how distinct a possibility, but one nonetheless.

Here's what I know so far, and will fill in details as they come: As Jackson fans know, tickets for his London concert series this summer went on sale earlier this week and the Brit press - occasionally prone to absolutely insane hyperbole, which is why it's so fun - is reporting that the series that'll stretch over 50 shows has already sold out and is now the hottest selling concert series IN BRITISH HISTORY.

Consider: This is the same country, I believe, where the Beatles and Stones originated.

Jackomania has taken over John Bull, and apparently Simon Cowell whom - the press is also hyperventilating over - has gotten in the act. He's telling everyone that he's making a full-court press to get Jackson on his Brit-hit, "The X Factor," and the booking very well may happen. Why? Because Cowell got Britney to appear on the show last year.

In fact, the Daily Mirror reported last Friday that the deal for Jackson to go on "X" is as good as done. One source told the paper, "He is perhaps one of the few artists who could outshine Britney. The only sticking point is that while Britney had her new album to promote, Jacko’s shows have sold out in minutes and don’t necessarily need the publicity. But Cowell won’t let that stop him. He is determined to get his man.”

Reporters put one and one together and came up with two: If "X," then next stop, "American Idol."

Our dear friend Simon hasn't disabused anyone of the speculation either: He was quoted by the BBC2 thusly, "It's the best platform he can have in America right now. He'd be stupid not to do it."

Well, what do you think of this latest rule change? Or do you think of it at all -- after only 10 or so hours of possible rumination? Me? I think it stinks most foul. It's unnecessary. It smacks of elitism. By God, this is anti-DEMOCRATIC. Leave it to a Brit to come up with this... You'd think the Queen herself had a role in this one. "Let them eat cake, those American peasants... They'll watch anything over there...We can change the rules because we are the rules..."

Who is behind this travesty? Dr. Evil, of course. Who is Dr. Evil? Only the most important guy in show business. That's my name -- perhaps his, too -- for the great Oz himself, Simon Fuller, of 19 Entertainment, who sits behind the curtain over there in the U.K., pulling strings with his arch-compatriot, who just happens to share his first name. Simon Cowell: The public face of the evil empire.

(This is what happens when you have too much coffee in the morning...Note to self: Cut back to five cups before 9...)

I'm feeling in a listy mood. Why would -- other than sheer anti-Democratic impulses that only a country beset by a crusty monarchy could come up with -- did "Idol" change the rule?

Let's go!

1.) They don't trust you, the viewer. Leave it to the voter, they seem to think, and they'll keep another Sanjaya in the finalist group, but let a great singer - Daughtry! - go early.

2.) This is an insurance policy. Just in the case voters get it WRONG AGAIN, and don't vote for the "right" singer, they'll be able to pull their fave-of-the-moment (Megan, let's say) out of the fire at the last minute. And dear Megs did come perilously close to the burn zone last night.

3.) What happens the NEXT time voters don't vote for the singer Dr. Evil wants? They'll change the rule again! "Did we say 'once' before the top five," says SiCo. "We meant 'twice.' Sorry. "

4.) The show desperately wants water-cooler chatter - people are talking too much about Da Bachelor, and not Da Idol. Change rules and - to co-opt Mencken's old phrase - stir up the animals.

5.) The show has little confidence in this season's crop, to begin with, but heaven help it if a truly promising singer out this shrinking group has a bad night and gets dumped by the voters. The judges will now be able to throw that person a life line. Is there a future Jennifer Hudson in this group? A budding Chris Daughtry. Howabout a Kelly Clarkson? Her performance up there last night - whether you like the song or not - demonstrated dramatically that there's not another one of HER this season either... Please call Simon if your crystal ball reveals the future super-star because he sure doesn't see him or her. The glam Adam Lambert? Terrifically talented kid - who has a glittering future career on Broadway. He's a performer - NOT someone, I suspect, who will sell a million records.

So now I'm wondering...what WILL the next rule change be? I've got it! A fifth judge will be added later this season. His name...Dr. Evil....

A court ruling...

Yeah, this is today's talker, and no one seems certain what it means, though SiCo's words do give one pause:

"I'm not sure whether the public are going to like this."

Hmm. I see the hand of Dr. Evil here.

What could it be? Everyone's got a guess. I see that Elisabeth Hasselbeck and others are saying that a judge vote will overturn the popular one.

If so, you're right, Simon. The public won't like this. But it could probably be just a onetime veto, or a once-a-season job, or something along those lines. This way, the judges can dump someone they regret ('Noop, are you listening?) bringing through the Wild Card.

The reason to change ANYTHING right now? Just to get people to yammer, and to move the season along.

Here's what WILL happen: Two people will get dumped tonight. "Idol" said as much last night...

Why two? Because as SiCo also said last night, the season ends in "ten weeks." The show HAS to dump a two-fer at some point to wrap this up on time and get everyone out on the road for the tour.

And...I am also reliably told...the TWO PEOPLE WITH THE LOWEST VIEWER VOTE will go.

The judges, in other words, won't drop one themselves.

Meanwhile, there is still a "big surprise" in store....

We'll see.

Suddenly, a front-runner ...

Check this out:

Gay was wrong.

This doesn't happen often, or by "often" I mean, "this is not acknowledged often."

But I got it a little off - the odds that I posted alongside the "Idol" Final Thirteen the other day.

Now, by "wrong," I don't mean egregiously wrong - the intent was clear. But that's not good enough, pal.

So Dr. Jeffrey S. Simonoff, a brilliant fellow and prof at NYU (and grad of Stony Brook) was kind enough to re-calibrate the odds - or tweak them - and I've posted the new ones. His note/explanation is one the jump...

Now, here's what I've done. The first chart: Prof. Simonoff's corrected odds to Tuesday's predictions.

Then, the NEXT chart: I've re-shuffled the figures, based on last night's performances. These are certainly subjective too but hopefully the numbers/odds are the right ones this time...) .

(That nice photo above? By Christopher Isaacson, of the Upright Caberet, as posted in Broadwayworld.com. It was from last year's 2008 "Holiday Blowout;" Jake Simpson is in the background.)

Kris Allen: 1:57
Megan Joy Corkrey: 1:40
Anoop Desai: 1:17
Matt Giraud: 1:9
Danny Gokey: 1:7
Alexis Grace: 1:5
Allison Iraheta: 1:9
Adam Lambert: 1:25
Scott Macintyre: 1:13
Jasmine Murray: 1:81
Jorge Nunez: 1:13
Lil Rounds: 1:4
Michael Sarver: 1:81

Now...the latest odds:

Most stay the same ... but, Allen moves up, and so does Lambert (duh). Allison, who was wobbly last night, moves way down. Overall, the guys are looking better than the ladies ...

Kris Allen: 1:17
Megan Joy Corkrey: 1:40
Anoop Desai: 1:25
Matt Giraud: 1:9
Danny Gokey: 1:7
Alexis Grace: 1:9
Allison Iraheta: 1:25
Adam Lambert: 1:5
Scott Macintyre: 1:13
Jasmine Murray: 1:81
Jorge Nunez: 1:13
Lil Rounds: 1:4
Michael Sarver: 1:25

Continue reading "'American Idol': Tweaked odds" »

I can re-purpose with the best of 'em, and right now, I think I'll re-purpose my column from Tuesday's paper.

It's my "Idol" pix, and by all means -- please please please -- head on over to our "American Idol" blog which has other picks as well; my colleagues over there are savvy Idolistas indeed and have key differences with my picks...

Anything can happen tonight and anything will. My favorite to proceed to the bitter end is Alexis Grace, though conventional wisdom says a guy will take it home. Who knows -- tonight's Jacko night, so I await...

Continue reading "'American Idol:' Top 13 Picks" »

I guess you know by now, there are thirteen finalists, not twelve.

Oh, you're a clever one, "Idol," you are.

Good show, though. My Newsday review - should you care - follows these four names on the jump...And congrats to all of 'em:

- Jasmine Murray

- Anoop Desai

Now, Gay's review....

And please head on down to the jump for that...

Continue reading ""American Idol:" Number 13" »

'Noop Dog is back!

So is Tatiana!

Win some. Lose some.

(Honestly, happy to see Tatty back tomorrow night; she's wonderfully weepy, and reminds me of Jason "I'll Love you Forever" Mesnick; when this Molly thing doesn't work out, maybe he and Tatty can get together....)

Digressing again, Gay.

Here are the basic facts from my "Idol" story in tomorrow's Newsday....

The full story...

" Now it's getting a little more interesting.
‘Noop Dog is back. And so is, ummm, Tatiana Del Toro, for tonight’s wild card. Like I said, "interesting."

Meanwhile, Lil Rounds and Scott MacIntyre advanced to the final rounds of this season's "American Idol" - expected by every "Idolista" with a pulse. Slightly less expected: Jorge Nuñez. It was pretty close - probably by votes in the thousands - between him and Ju'Not Joyner, the big kid (OK, 26-year-old) with the good voice and winning personality.

"Idol" judges also announced their wild card ticket on the air last night. These eight singers had been praised by them the last couple weeks, but were over-looked by voting fans. Tonight, the judges will select three from this small group to round out the final twelve.

The wild carders are: Von Smith (22; KC); Jasmine Murray (16; Miss.); Ricky Braddy (26; TN.); Megan Joy Corkrey (22, UT.); Matt Giraud (23; MI); Tatiana Nicole Del Toro (24, PR ); Jesse Langseth (25; MN.); and Anoop Desai (21, NC).

Last night's winners were not a surprise, though, and the pattern had become as obvious as pink paint. The best singers from rehearsal were stacked up at the end of the competition night, and Lil Rounds drew that card on Tuesday. The 23-year-old from Memphis (Kansas City auditions) was a slam-dunk, per Simon Cowell, who was almost pathologically negative on Tuesday to wards the other singers. "Best vocal of the night," he said. And that it was. She sang Mary J. Blige’s “Be Without You.”

Then, Scott MacIntyre (23; Scottsdale, Az., Phoenix auditions.) The sight-challenged piano player sang a nearly prehistoric song, Bruce Hornsby and the Range's “Mandolin Rain” (1986) with real passion. Easily a winner. He's "Idol's" near-perfect embodiment of this season's "inspirational" contestant.

Finally, Jorge Nuñez, 20, of Carolina, PR (San Juan audition) who sang Elton John’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.” Message received. "

(Pix: Chris Cuffaro, Fox)

We now have our top eight.....

And, in fact, there is only one outstanding mystery. (Well, four if you count the three who will come out of tomorrow's still-mysterious wild-card round...)

Lil Rounds....that's an easy call.

Scott MacIntyre....that's an easy call too.

But what of our third? This is where it gets tricky. Ju'Not Joyner, who was good last night, has a real shot, and if this was a game of odds - it is, actually - I'd say he's a 3:1 favorite to move forward. I think Nathaniel Marshall does too - not because he's good, particularly, or at least good last night, but he was memorable.

And that leaves us with Jorge Nuñez. His odds of going forward are 4:1 - actually lower than Ju'Not's, I suspect, because he comes from Puerto Rico, which simply doesn't have a big voting constituency (obviously.) Ju'Not's from Maryland, and that'll help.

But I'm going with Jorge: I believe he will be the third pick tonight, but...I could be wrong.

So let me rephrase: I think he SHOULD be the guy to go forward. Will he?

And if he doesn't, he'll be back tomorrow on the Wild Card...I still think Jorge is a top-12er, along with 'Noop Dog.

Kris Allen, that's who.

Good for him, though I can't honestly say I know that much about him. Can't vouch for this but I think he got 42 seconds of airtime during Hollywood, compared to an hour and a half for Matt Giraud.

And look where it got Matt.

Speaking of Matt, who do you think will make it from this group into next week's wild card round?

- Click here to see photos of all the 'American Idol' semifinalists performing.

The obvious choices:

Giraud.

Jesse Langseth, Johnny Lang's little sis

Head to the jump if ya wanna read my rap in Newsday (while it's still for free...)

Continue reading ""American Idol:" Kris Whooo? " »

Another remarkably bad night on America's - the world's! - most popular TV show.

Honestly, there were only two very good performances. A couple of OK ones, and then...

The night fell off the cliff into the ravine.

What's going on with this season of "American Idol"?

Check out Newsday's "Idol" blog a little later this afternoon, when all our resident "Idolistas" put together their picks. Here are my three choices ...Those Who should go on, followed by Who Will Go On...

* Adam Lambert: Did exactly what you have to do at this stage of the comp, which is take a hugely popular song, a hugely familiar one, and turn it into an entertaining Frankenstein's monster. He looked like Elvis, then turned into Clint Black, and finally into Gene Simmons. Oy...But a terrific, stagey and fun outing.

* Allison Iraheta: Again, the formula - take a hugely, ridiculously popular pop song and belt the bugger out. It's a generation-spanning song, known to people in their '80s and people who are 8; smart choice and well performed.

* Jesse Langseth: I was instantly bored with the judge's catty commentary on this one - the woman's got a voice and look and style, and knows how to sing. I think she's interesting too - vocally AND visually. I hope she goes forward.

Now, who will...

* Adam

* Matt Giraud: Too bad...

(AP Photo)

Next week's front-runner?

Yup, that seems like a big number, I guess. Most of 'em went for Gokey and Alexis, I imagine.

Total number of votes for Tatiana Del Toro? Eighteen.

I'm just kidding. But I couldn't help myself.

BTW, if you missed that quick list of next week's semi-finalists, here it is again. (And don't ask me who'll come out on top, because honestly, I have no clue, though I suppose Matt Giraud would be considered one of the front-runners...He also sang Gavin Degraw's "I Don't Wanna Be" in his aud...)

Wednesday: 8-10: Kris Allen, Matt Breitzke, Megan Joy Corkrey, Matt Giraud, Mishavonna Henson, Allison Iraheta, Kai Kalama, Adam Lambert, Jesse Langseth, Nick Mitchell, Jasmine Murray and Jeanine Vailes.

Thursday: Results, 8-9.

Danny Gokey.

Michael Sarver.

No surprises.

But here's the question I lay before you as these "Idol" finalist rounds continue: Doesn't it make sense that the best person who DIDN'T make the voter cut get pulled back into the game by the judges when the Wild Card round ends all this next month?

If so, then that logically means just ONE person gets picked from each of these three weeks - which, if my addition is correct, means a total of FOUR per week will actually be chosen. Of course, a couple extra could be chosen one week, but I suspect that "Idol" producers have structured these rounds the way they have so that WON'T happen.

So who will make the wild card from last night's edition?

Here's my emphatic and obvious choice:

Anoop Desai.

This!

Yeah, and why not?

(From Lil'-Crazed "Talkshow with Spike Feresten..."

Easy early leader.

I'm back, gang.

And let's start with the obvious. Last night's "American Idol."

Please head over to Newsday's exemplary "Idol" blog at noon or thereabouts to get a fix on our resident expert picks. But last night was terrifically obvious, don't you think?

These wheat-from-chaff rounds before the final 12 tend to offer their own charms and surprises, but not last night. Many fell and refused to get up - the night of a thousand knives that dispatched the most annoying (Tatiana), most unknown (Rick Braddy), most intriguing ('Noop Dog Desai), most Long Island (Jackie Tohn), most likely-to-replace-Bikini-Girl (Casey Carlson), most likely to forget the lyrics (Stephen Fowler), most likely to be a Kara stalker (Anne Marie Boscovich), and most likely to tell Simon where to get off (Brett Keith.)

They're all gone!

Or will be in a few hours. I thought last night was a genuinely terrible edition - flatter than Kansas and older than Solomon. I am sure that at some point, Simon thought to himself: "This season could be a bloody unmitigated disaster...how did we let these through?...I'm not going to be the one calling Dr. Evil with the news...maybe I can get Kara to..."

What a mess.

Only three will advance.

You know who they are:

Alexis Grace: A genuine surprise.

Michael Sarver: Not great, but likable.

Danny Gokey: Front-runner di tutti front-runners.

Please head to the jump for a classic - as in bad - "Idol" massacre.

Continue reading "'American Idol': The Night of a Thousand Knives" »