Notes from the telecast, after the jump.

Here we go: Quote from David Foster, clip of Simon from the first-season auditions, sundry previous-season clips to Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World." Quite a few clips of contestants the show most cruelly exploited. Then clips of Ryan saying "This is American Idol." Cue the theme…

Clip of last season's finale. Video of outraged Archie fans watching the results. Clips of Cook leading into a sunrise and new auditioners declaring themselves "one of 100,000," "the next American Idol" and so on. Ryan says the show is not about the destination but "the journey." Right. Name everyone who finished, oh, third.

Audition clips with choral music. Ryan at the Grand Canyon, declaring this "the biggest season ever." Break.

Ryan back at Grand Canyon. Phoenix auditions. "Summer in the City" plays. Judges arrive. So we're doing the usual myth that all the people in line get to see the judges. Intro of new judge Kara DioGuardi. Credits, then brief clips of her talking to contestants and bickering with Simon.

First guy up, Tuan Nguyen, has a giant 'fro and tap-dances. His favorite musicians are Michael Jackson and Britney Spears. Does a sub-mediocre "Way You Make Me Feel." Randy says no. Kara says no — that she's never seen anything like it, and not in a good way. Paula passes. Simon does not disagree. Tuan is "really hurt." But he gets more screen time after his rejection.

Emily Hughes. Daughter of a singer, Patty Wynne-Hughes (who appears to have been a voice actor on MTV's old "The Maxx" series). Emily has piercings, ink and curiously colored hair. Sings "Barracuda." Fair to fair minus. Simon says she was very good and he liked her. Paula says she should do very well in the competition. The judges point out that she'll have to leave her band. She hopes to be able later "to do the Daughtry move." She gets four votes for Hollywood. Teaser into another break. We've been going more than 20 minutes and seen two auditions.

Randy Madden, 28, sales rep and would-be rocker. No singing lessons, no band. "I just want somebody to tell me that I'm great," he says. He also seems to cry easily. Song: "Living on a Prayer." Fair voice but Simon cuts him off. Calls Randy wimpy. Randy tries to sing tougher. Simon now calls it "very cliched." Randy begs for a chance. Simon then calls him "a drama queen." Ping pong, ping pong. Paula urges him to get a band and gain the experience from it. Simon snipes "How do you think 'Straight Up' was written?" Kara tries to instruct Randy while Paula snarls at Simon about the "Straight Up" crack. No Hollywood for Randy. More crying, though.

J.B. Ahfua. Big voice. Four Hollywood votes.

Michael Gurr, nervous guy. Terrible singer. Suspiciously terrible, as if he's playing this for laughs. Rejected anyway. Break. Apparently he got a little faint after.

Clips of song butchers, made even worse by being run with clips of the original artists performing.

Aundre Caraway, aka X-Ray. High-energy guy with guitar. Sets guitar aside to sing. Funny, but I have little idea what kind of a singer he might be. Judges are highly amused. Randy calls it "buck wild." Kara is wondering what she has gotten herself into. Four no votes. Aundre tries to perform some more, and Simon keeps insisting he stop — and the security guys listen to Simon.

Girl who organized an "adopt a grand-friend" program to help senior citizens. Song: "Put Your Records On." Limited range but she has some presence; the camera likes her. Four yes's for Hollywood. Nine others get Hollywood tickets and a few seconds of screen time from day one. Teaser promises that "bikini girl" — already seen in a previous teaser — will have "the moment everyone will be talking about."

Day two. Clips of odd singers of the past lead to bass-voiced Elijah Scarlett. Oohs about the speaking voice, but Simon says he's not hopeful. Sings "You're My First, You're My Last, You're My Everything." Slow and tuneless. Barry White spins in his grave. And spins some more. Simon calls it "like something out of a horror movie." No Hollywood.

Girl in pink. Lea Marie Golde, who calls herself "a cross between Hilary Duff and Madonna." Has written 100 songs and calls herself Kara's biggest fan. Has brought her written-song notebook to show Kara. Presents it before her audition. Sings "Every Time We Touch." Not a bad voice at all. Paula praises everything except her voice, which needs work. Randy concurs. Simon not at all pleased. Kara thinks she sounds as if she's in a musical, but praises her commitment to music. Lea says they may be on the fence — and the judge say they're not. No to Hollywood.

Stevie Wright, 16, named after Stevie Nicks. "At Last." Good singer and very smart about knowing where her vocal limitations are. Kara heard "wow" moments. Yes for Hollywood, and Kara and Paula see her going far.

Oil roughneck Michael Sarver, wants it to win for his family. Soulful singer, surprising Randy who doesn't see the voice with the big roughneck body. He gets Hollywood.

Short clips of bad singers lead into Katrina Darrell, "bikini girl" who wants to make out with Ryan. Randy asks if she goes to all auditions in a bikini. Kara suggest she rotate for the guys. Sings Mariah's "Vision of Love." Good start, then iffy. Simon says yes. Randy says yes. Kara says there's no swing to the vocal. Bikini Girl sings some more. Kara still insists she doesn't have the chops for the song. Girl dogs Kara. Paula finally says "welcome to Hollywood." Then later says "she is terrible." She still gets to smooch Ryan.

During some technical difficulties with my posting, a guy nicknamed "Sexual Chocolate" neither got Hollywood nor gave any indication he has ever seen "Coming to America." Perky Brianna Quijada sang "Let's Hear It for the Boy" and a snippet of "Killing Me Softly," split the judges, with Paula and Simon saying yes — and Simon breaks all ties. Hollywood.

And I'm back. To clips of people with their families, leading into a woman who asks other people to be her family. No takers, apparently. Deanna Brown, singing "Dock of the Bay." Ok-ish but kind of labored and too slow — one of those deals where the singer should remember that there's no instrumental backing for the performance. The judges are pleased. Hollywood.

Cody Sheldon. Loves horror films and makes his own. Sings "Wonderful World" by James Morrison. Nothing that impresses me. Kara is surprised — that the voice is different from the look. We don't see the vote but he gets Hollywood.

Clips of Simon amusing himself by asking contestants which three countries they will be popular in. Needless to say, not all the answers involve countries. Alex Wagner-Trugman endures jokes based on his having sung in the closet and sings "Baby Come to Me." Randy notes he sings in pitch. Simon is astonished at Randy's praise. "It didn't work," Simon insists. Randy says "we're disagreeing a lot today" when the clips have not indicated that. Alex gets three yes votes and os is off to Hollywood and probably more closet jokes.

Montage of people singing "Wanted Dead or Alive" intercut with reaction shots of judges, even though we've already seen some of these singers audition — and not with "Wanted." Yet another piece of the "Idol" mythology.

And we are promised that the much-teased and "touching" story of a blind singer will close the show. After a break, naturellement.

Scott Macityre, who sees only 2 degrees of tunnel vision "like looking through a straw." College at 14. Sings Billy Joel's "And So It Goes." Competent voice. Simon calls him "a cool guy." Paula lloves his voice. Four Hollywood votes.

Why is everyone so pumped about this? Have we not have blind entertainers before? Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, George Shearing, Tom Sullivan, Diane Schuur …

Anyway, we've gone on to promos for the next show — and I am out of here.

Notes after the jump.

(David Cook wins. Dialidol.com called it. I will offer a few theories later.)

Way behind getting started, but I'll catch up. Seacrest keeps talking about the "closest competition." Closer than Clay/Ruben? I suspect not. Ryan also says 97.5 million votes came in. Smashed the record for the show, he says. Says it's 56 percent, 44 percent. Feels like Cook won then. Reports from the Davids' home towns. The Top 12 offer the inevitable performance to hype the tour, and to promote "So You Think You Can Dance." Looks lip-synched, and even then there's no discernible audio for Amanda Overmyer.

The Davids sing together, although DC gets the lead-off. "Hero." They sound pretty good together. Ryan chats with the guys. Mentions two mentors — Clive Davis and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Hype for Mike Myers' "Love Guru" movie. Tape and then Myers onstage. Moving on. Syesha Mercado sings with Seal. She's off in spots, still has some things to learn. He's a lot better.

Jason Castro sings "Hallelujah." Moving on. Car video. "Good Times Roll" (Sam Cooke version) with clips from various videos. The women from the top 12 sing "She Works Hard for the Money/Hot Stuff." Overmyer looks especially out of place, bad on the steps. Enter Miss Donna Summer herself with a new tune to promote, as well as singing "Last Dance." Sounds good but I'm moving on.

Duet on "The Letter" by Carly Smithson and Michael Johns. They're using the Joe Cocker arrangement. And hey, Ryan says there's … a tour!

Jimmy Kimmel recaps the season. Only thing missing is a rim shot after the predictable jokes.

David Hernandez (the Forgotten David!), Jason C and Michael Johns sing "Summer of '69." Chikezie joins. They then must pause to let David C and David A sing. Again, David C gets the first solo. And then Bryan Adams himself takes the stage. Paula is standing and clapping along.

Jordin Sparks on tape, promoting Walt Disney World Resort's "American Idol" Experience in January.

David Cook sings "Sharp Dressed Man" with ZZ Top. The coronation goes on. Not his best song but hey, he's got a really good band.

Hometown update. Graham Nash and Brooke White sing "Teach Your Children." Cute, but I'd rather hear more ZZ Top. And considering this is originally by one of the great harmony groups, it's not all that good.

David Cook in a parody of "Risky Business," commercial for Guitar Hero.

Ryan asks girls around him to introduce the next band. Hard to make out in the shrieks. Oh, Jonas Brothers. Catchy. Moving on.

Clips from the worst and most bizarre of the season. Hey, Renaldo! And Renaldo sings again onstage, with the USC band and cheerleaders.

OneRepublic performs "Apologize." I have to say that, even with a lot of fast-forwarding, this is a much better results show than the one "Dancing With the Stars" did last night. Plenty of music, even if some of it is iffy, and not too much cutesy filler. And, so far, no boxing references.

Archuleta joins in on "Apologize." He meshes rather well. Hometown update.

Jordin Sparks sings "One Step at a Time." Like her voice generally, but I liked her duet with Chris Brown better than this song.

The Gladys Knight bit — old footage with Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr. edited in as Pips. Funny at first but goes on way too long, although I'm happy to hear classic Gladys.

Carrie Underwood. Working on some hottie/pop-star moves. Powerful but needs work.

Archuleta does the "Risky Business"/Guitar Hero spot.

The Top 12 strike again. "Faith." Side note: Four women in sheer stockings, Carly in dark stockings (does she have leg tats?), Amanda in pants. The guys come in for "Father Figure." So where's George Michael? "Freedom." So. Where's. George. Oh, there. Not sounding great. But he's making Paula cry. And this song is reallllllly long. Randy and Simon join Paula for a standing O. And, Ryan tells us, he's going on tour!

Simon backpedals from his declaration Tuesday that DA won, and apologizes for seeming disrespectful.

Winner: David Cook. He's in tears. Everyone comes out for the songwriting competition winner, "Time of My Life." And so the hell of winning begins.

Could we take a minute to talk about what a good actor Mark Harmon is?

If you want to see a terrific example of economic acting — few words, underplayed expression — look at the one on in the "NCIS" season finale where Gibbs calls Ducky with the news that Shepard is dead. I have this image stuck in my head of Harmon going through scripts and trimming lines, constantly thinking, "Too many words. Don't need 'em." It's not a tic in the show's writing overall; other characters get to yak. But Gibbs doesn't, and with Harmon playing him, he doesn't need to.

It was no great surprise that Shepard, played by Lauren Holly, was the dead character; what was, was how she died. It had already been established that the director was gravely ill, so it was a nice touch to let her go out in a hail of bullets — and take down four bad guys before she bought it herself. And the way the other characters handled her passing was very nicely done; I really liked the scene with Pauley Perrette talking about the way Shepard dressed — and expanded that into touching, funny thoughts about the other characters' wardrobes.

As for the big cliffhanger, with a new director and the team split up, I'm not getting overly worried. I am sure we'll see more of the new director (well played by Rocky Carroll), although I don't know if he'll become a series regular. Could that shredded document indicate trouble? As for the team being split, well, this is a show that ended a season with Gibbs quitting — and he came back. And "House" found a way to break up its core group and still keep them in the show's mix.

"Reaper" certainly set the stage for a lot of stuff when it comes back midseason. The closing shot of Sam's parents certainly suggested that Sam's powers may not come from being the devil's son; other forces are on the loose. But there has been a shift in Sam's relationship with the Devil. And we got another taste of what it will mean to have Andi in on Sam's secret — can't wait to see her keep pushing for more method in the madness. (Sort of reminds me of when Cordelia went to work for Angel.) The show really feels as if it has a roadmap for next season and beyond, and a good map at that.

Before I leave Tuesday's shows, I have a long post below about "American Idol" and why I think David Archuleta sealed the deal. Which makes the analysis over at Dialidol.com very intriguing, since it has David Cook winning easily. Not sure if I trust the numbers, but I wouldn't mind being wrong on this one.

Sliding back to Monday night, "House" finished its two-part finale and I thought it did very well something I absolutely hated them for doing. Amber had become a strong character, especially because she was so much like House; her ending up with Wilson was precisely on point — giving Wilson a romantic partner with the qualities of his best friend. And there was no question that Amber and House had some chemistry (and boy, was the chemistry flying in House's fantasy). But if the show felt the need to add to the characters' suffering, it did so with considerable skill. I just wish the need hadn't been there.

Disappointing finales from "How I Met Your Mother" and "Two and a Half Men." The best thing in either episode was Marshall's battle with lice — silly, but inspired silliness. Beyond that, not much to offer, and the Stella melodrama was implausibly stretched. As I said after last week's "Men," we've already seen plenty about Charlie's women and Charlie's mother issues; the finale just played out a bit that probably shouldn't have been bothered with.

By the way, Susan Blakely — who played Angie — is 55 or 59, depending on the reference. Seeing her did provide some measure of nostalgia — "Rich Man, Poor Man," anyone? — although judging from IMDB she's been working fairly regularly, just in shows I don't pay much attention to.

Well, we're starting with Michael "Let's Get Ready to Rumble" Buffer and the two Davids in boxing gear. So we can forget dignity…

(I'm starting late again. Will catch up during the commercials. And will be posting about "Dancing With the Stars" later.)

Ryan pumps up the crowd. Introduction of the judges. Rules: three songs each. Ryan again says the competition is very close. Boxing-themed video with Jim Lampley. Footage of the Lizard King, Clive Davis, and Andrew Lloyd Webber. More Lampley.

Enter (well, re-enter since they did the boxing thing) the two Davids. Archie has won the coin toss and will sing second. David C plays the crowd, David A sounds terrified. Ryan asks Randy what it's going to take, and Randy offers a series of homilies about leaving it on the floor. Paula says may the best man win. Simon says you've got to have a desire to win and you've got to hate your opponent.

David A says David C is awesome. David C says whatever he says will now seem trite. Then says David A has been one of the most consistently nice people, the competition's over and "we're just having fun." Break.

Introduction of Clive, who picks the first songs. More Lampley. Could we please kill this metaphor?

David C, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." Perfect song for him, and he starts very prettily. Gets strong, band amps up, good command of the stage and the camera. B plus. Randy thinks it was a great way to start, but not sure if DC did everything he could with it. Paula says "David Cook has arrived, amen, amen." Simon thought he looked tense and emotional at the start of the show, so the performance was "phenomenal."

David A. "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." Also perfect for him. He's also playing the camera well, and keeping his eyes open most of the time. Getting a big anthemic treatment from the band. B plus also. First round: Draw on my card, but I suspect both singers' fan bases are fully mobilized. Randy calls it one of the best performances of the season, "flawless." Paula says her heart is still pounding and "the sun is never going to go down on you." Simon says he was OK last week and tonight was "arguably the best you've done so far. … Round one goes to Archuleta."

Round two: Choose one from "America's 10 favorite entries" in the "Idol" songwriting contest. MORE OF THIS STUPID BOXING STUFF. STOPPPPPP!!!

DC, "Dream Big." He has the guitar. Ridiculous lyrics but they're burying a fair amount of them in the mix and his gravely vocal. Still, I don't feel as if he's all that connected to the song, however hard he may be trying. And the song is bleh. B. Randy says the song was just OK but DC "was singing your face off." Paula, sounding ever more as if she prepared her remarks ahead, praises him. Simon thought the end of the song was OK and DC made the most of what he had, but it didn't feel like a winning moment.

DA, "In This Moment," the 2,000,000 "American Idol" song to have the word "Moment" in the title. Or that's how it seems. And this lyric is even worse than on DC's song. But it's in DA's comfort zone, and he can do that big vocal thing. But it's not as good as his first performance, and this song seems to go on forever. C plus. Randy says DA is "so in the zone." Paula says "it's like you're on fire tonight." Simon loved "the egotistical lyric," but that DA chose the better song. Simon gives the second round to DA. I give it to DC, but I know there are a zillion voters who will feel otherwise..

Round three: Contestants' choice. DC picked "The World I Know" by Collective Soul. DA's doing "Imagine" again.

DC starts acoustic. Brooding perf. Slow build. This is a good statement about what he wants to be, even if it's not a big tactical "Idol" move. Solid B, but he left DA too much room to go over the top. Randy says he's showing the sensitive side of DC and "this is the kind of record you could definitely make." Paula says he's "standing in your truth," and stands to applaud him. Simon says DC is one of the nicest, most sincere contestants they've had but the song was "completely and utterly" wrong — he should have gone back to "Billie Jean" or "Hello." DC says "why do something I've already done?" He's clearly put the competition in his rearview mirror; it's what he said earlier in the show about just having fun now.

DA to close. Pretty but just not to my taste, and there's no point in grading it. I would rather hear DC again. But this is the kind of performance that wins this thing. Randy says DA is the best singer of season seven. Paula calls it "the culmination." Simon says "we've witness one of the great finals" but DA "came out here tonight to win, and what we have witnessed is a knockout."

Well, the logic of the show and the singers who have won in the past all point to DA winning — as it's been almost from the beginning. But I suspect DC decided to hand it to him in the end. It's almost as if he said, "Here, kid, it's more important for you."

Ruben Studdard comes onstage to sing "Celebrate Me Home."

In-progress notes after the jump.

(The final will be David vs. David.)

Ryan says 56 million votes cast. Intro of the judges. Ryan warns about Paula's cleavage on a "TV-G show." Group sing: "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now." Which proves to be a good song for David Cook. Backing and harmony vocals sound prerecorded, with live solos.

Car video. "Heaven." Ryan again says 56 million votes "registered" and that it's close.

Recap. Fantasia sings "For Me." Quite red hair. And a lot funkier than anything we've heard from the semifinal three, who clap along politely. Shot catches Simon looking stunned.

Ryan summons David Archuleta. Homecoming footage. He cries. He also says "Gosh" a lot. Back live, DA admits the footage was "so embarrassing." Ryan says it's "a very very close race" and it's possible this is DA's last time. So they show the journey video now. And then go to a break without saying whether Lil' Archie is safe.

Syesha Mercado is brought out. HER homecoming footage. She cries, too. Her journey video ensues.

And on to David Cook. Gets to bring his younger brother onstage. Homecoming video. More evidence that he has gotten much more personable on camera than he appeared at first. And a few tears. In the retracing of his performances, Ryan refers to "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" "by Chaka Khan." Eh? And on to the journey. After the journey video, Ryan corrects the Chaka Khan to Roberta Flack, saying the card he had said Chaka. "Bad research," he adds. Okaaaaay!

Crunch time, as Ryan puts it. He has the judges express their admiration for the semifinal three. Simon says that if it's the final he's hoping for, next week will be a "humdinger."

And it's David A against … David C. As expected. Syesha sings out with "I Ain't Got You." And we are where things have been heading, seemingly inevitably for weeks.

In-progress notes from tonight. ABC and CW fall lineups in previous posts.

I'm about six minutes late getting started but I should catch up during the commercials. Ryan calls this the closest race the show has ever seen. Closer than Clay-Ruben? I think not. Intro of the judges. Top three introduced. Hometown visits noted.

David Archuleta, judges' choice: "And So It Goes" by Billy Joel, chosen by Paula Abdul. Paula makes clear that she picked it because he'll sound real good. David starts acappella, then joined by strings. Caressing every syllable, but it seems more about the notes than what the song's about. And even though this is one of those performances meant to make "Idol" fans melt, I'll take Billy's version. C. Randy says Paula chose a dope song for DA, and DA is in the zone, "in it to win it, baby." Paula thought it was pure and stunning, which of course is what she expected when she gave him the song. Simon calls it good but "a bit predictable. … I don't think it was OUTstanding."

Syesha. Randy Jackson picked her song: Alicia Keys' "If I Ain't Got You." Randy says Syesha is young, hot, talented and probably likes Alicia as much as Randy does. Hand-wavers go amok and she sings — Vegasy, pretty, but not going to make me forget Alicia. Very A/C. C plus. Randy could see her heart beamin' and smilin'. Paula says she looks absolutely stunning. Simon says she sang it very well but he wished Randy had chosen a song where Syesha wouldn't sound so close to the original; Randy interjects that she made changes.

David Cook. Simon says: "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Roberta Flack. (Could we get a little respect for Ewan MacColl?) Simon thinks it's a tough song and he wanted to give DC a challenge that he could handle. DC promptly proves why he is smarter (and more talented) than Blake Lewis a year ago. He respects the song, and adjusts his vocal to it in large measure, instead of turning the song inside out to suit his style. Best vocal so far. B. Randy loves DC but wanted him to rock. Paula says it's now one of her two favorite versions of the song (and I don't think MacColl's is the other). Simon is very pleased with his choice and the performance.

Contestant choices. DA picked "With You" by Chris Brown. DA is so constantly nervous in the chat. In performance, he seems to gasp for breath, and the song just sounds wrong coming from him. He's made it mush. But I guess, to quote Howlin' Wolf, the little girls understand. For me, though, another C at best. Randy applauds DA's trying the song but doesn't think it was the right choice. Paula of course thinks it's perfect for him and he was good. Simon thought it was like a chihuahua trying to be a tiger.

Syesha picked "Fever" by Peggy Lee. (Little Willie John! Please!) Jazzy, but a little off kilter. She's shrieky on the high parts, more theatrical than vocal in other parts. C. Randy calls it a very interesting song choice but thought she did it amazingly well. Paula again tells her how lovely she looks and says she was surprised by the song choice and that "I'm not sure it shows me who Syesha is as an artist." Simon thinks she will regret it, for a "lame, cabaret" performance when she should be showing she's contemporary.

David Cook. "Dare You to Move" by Switchfoot. Cook seems relaxed and happy during the chat. Onstage, with guitar, and playing it. This time he's reminding people of what they liked about his sound before. Good tactic: gears shifted by Simon's choice, then revitalizing his base. I don't know the original version, but he's OK. B minus. Randy calls it a great song choice but performance-wise it was a little pitchy. Paula liked it but felt that, because of show cutdowns, she wanted more. Simon thinks it was all right, and that everyone had "an OK middle round."

Producers' songs. DA gets "Longer" by Dan Fogelberg. Totally in his wheelhouse. But I'm bored. Bored, I say! DA is playing to his fans, but a little of this goes a long way — and this is too long. C again. Blah. Randy says DA can sing the phone book and he's in the zone. Paula thought it was lovely. Simon says he sang the song very well but the song and the lyrics were "gooey." Still, Simon expects DA to be in the finals.

Syesha. "Hit Me Up" (Gia Farrell). Clearly the producers want her to reclaim the contemporary level. But she's still got that shrieky thing. C plus. Randy considers it Rihanna-esque but just OK. Paula tells Randy it's from the "Happy Feet" soundtrack. Discussion of penguins ensues. But Paula doesn't know if it's good enough to get in the finals. Simon says it was better than the second song but that she had her best moment last week, and this was "a little bit forgettable."

DC to close. Aerosmith's "I Don't Want To Miss a Thing." Well, there's something to close the deal with. But it's a weird arrangement, he's going a bit fast and the string section is odd. This is one of my favorite pieces of cheese, so I was fully prepared to be sold, but not … quite … Wait, big finish — nope, still not there. A mess. C minus, but I still think he had the best night of the final three. Randy says it was OK for him, but very predictable. Paula is crying and noting that Diane Warren is in the house, and saying "see ya in the finals." Simon says DC wins the night.

DC may yet win the whole thing, and nothing I saw tonight made me think we won't have the long expected DC/DA final. I would have given Syesha the edge over DA for the night, but I also thought Kimberly Locke was best on final three night in season two, and it didn't matter at that point. Syesha needed something amazing to close the deal, and I don't think she had it.

This one's a lulu. Regular watchers know that I've had some fits while Malcolm has stayed cool. This time, not so much. (Thursday evening: I've switched to the YouTube version, which seems to be working better than the one posted here earlier.)

UPDATE: Next week is a three-song night, with each contestant performing a judges’ choice, producers’ choice and finalist’s choice.

I won't dread telling you who's out. After the jump.

(Jason Castro is out. Let me say yeah. In-progress notes below.)

Ryan says the contestants sang from their heart. All right, first big fib of the evening. Highest vote total of the season: "nearly 51 million votes." And the top three were within one million votes of each other. Which means that whoever is going was a distant fourth. Dare we dream that Castro's reign is over?

Ryan gives Randy a chance to recant his Syesha judgment from the night before. He doesn't but says he talked to Syesha after — and that he hadn't made her cry; Syesha also said that Paula was much in tune with Syesha. Ryan asks Simon if he was angry last night; Simon says no, but he didn't like song choices.

Group sing, "Reelin' in the Years." Steely Dan. On the rock hall's "500 songs" list.

Tour hype. Recap. It includes Simon's "atrocious" about JC — AND JC's forgetting words.

David Archuleta gets the first summons. Archuleta stumbles through some comments that Ryan sums up as "you want to be the next American Idol." Ryan quizzes him about his game plan. Archie rambles some more. Finally, he's safe.

Ryan touts the homecoming episode next week. Video footage is out of sync with his comments.

Footage of a Las Vegas field trip, including to see the Cirque du Soleil Beatles-themed show at the Mirage, and to be treated as stars. Gee, that rights deal for Beatles songs covered a lot of promotional tie-ins.

David Cook summoned next. Randy is asked what DC needs to do if he gets to the next round; Randy says he needs to "rock it out, baby." DC admits the vibe was wrong on Tuesday. But he's safe.

Leaves Jason Castro and Syesha Mercado to be tortured onstage. JC actually thinks they're going to be told who's going home now. Ryan explains that it will be after the break.

Video: "Ring of Fire." Viewer call-in questions. First one asks DC for a date when he's on tour in Pittsburgh. Next question asks them what is the biggest challenge the contestants have had to overcome; Ryan narrows the question to make it about the competition. I am going to check sports scores.

Oh, a question from Cleveland — urging that Simon be the next James Bond. I wish there were more scores to check.

Maroon 5 performs. I'd rather hear "Iran So Far."

"Indiana Jones" trailer. I like the one on the new DVD set, which indicates that the movie will deal with Indy's getting older and slower. It's this one:

Bo Bice performs. Audio drop and freeze. I hope it's just a tech problem. Wouldn't think he'd drop some improper word on the "Idol" stage. Not great, but better than just about anything else I can think of on "Idol" this week. In the chat, Ryan brings up that Bo's wife is pregnant — but seems to miss what sounds like Bo's attempt to explain that he already has a son.

Results. Ryan brings up again that Jason forgot words — and Simon's "pack your bags" comment. Ryan asks why it was so tough for JC. He says it may be that his inexperience is coming into play. Ryan asks Syesha about her emotional display; she again says that Paula caught her feeling with the mention of the dream.

Syesha is safe. Jason is out. Finally. And I am out, too.

Creedence yes, Ike & Tina no.

I had some trouble getting onto the Rock Hall Web site earlier, but I wanted to check whether tonight's contestants stuck to the hall's "500 songs that shaped rock and roll" list that the hall thought was the basis of tonight's song selection. Now that I've checked, the answer is basically yes, although there were some nuanced differences.

David Archuleta: Both Ben E. King's "Stand By Me" and Elvis's "Love Me Tender" are on the list.

Jason Castro: "I Shot the Sheriff" is on the list, credited to the Wailers (with a note that the Wailers included Bob Marley). "Mr. Tambourine Man" is on the list, but for the Byrds' version, not Bob Dylan's original.

David Cook: Both Duran Duran's "Hungry Like the Wolf" and the Who's "Baba O'Riley" are on the list.

Syesha Mercado: Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" is on the list. "Proud Mary" is on the list in the Creedence Clearwater Revival version, not the Ike & Tina version she drew on.

I'm not saying there was any more rule-bending here than in any given category on "Idol."
But, as you can see from the complete list, there were some real opportunities that the contestants didn't take on. I've already said that I don't think the show licensed the entire catalog. Still, the possibilities for great performances were considerable, and tonight's so-so results are yet another reason to lament the state of the show this season.

Notes after the jump. …

Seacrest says three of the top four have been number one in a given week. I'm thinking the Davids and Syesha (whom Dialidol had at number one last week). Would cringe if it was Castro. Intro of the judges. Intro of the contestants.

Tape re the Rock Hall. Mentions Alan Freed's connection to Cleveland. Hey, Akron, too! Overview of the history of rock. Tres skimpy. Gets to the rock hall. (By the way, this is all B roll done by the rock hall for "American Idol's" use.) Two songs by each. Judge comments after each performance. "All clear?" Seacrest says.

David Cook starts with "Hungry Like the Wolf." I've been getting to like DC but this is not a great performance. The doo-doos in particular are overdone, and the band — often intrusive — seems buried in this mix. Almost as if they're underplaying him to keep the show close. C plus. Randy calls it an OK choice and a solid performance but wants a "mad hot" performance. Paula says "HLTW" has left her with a big appetite. So spontaneous! Simon says it was good but a little bit copycat.

Syesha Mercado. "Proud Mary" "by Tina Turner." With Ike, please. And Creedence of course before that, but she's working the Ike & Tina version. Starting … easy. Finishing … rough. Big support from the band. But she's a little too polished. Perfect enunciation. Not a lot of grit. Very — you've heard this before — Broadway. But good vocal. I'd give her a B minus. Randy calls this the third week in a row that Syesha is in the zone. Paula says she looks like a star, with "magnetic voice and presence." Simon thought it was just "a bad shrieky version," a "bad impersonation of Tina Turner."

Jason Castro. "There is a few songs on the list that I knew." Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff." Oh, this is unfortunate. Oh, my goodness. I didn't think he could get any worse. I was wrong. I can't even grade this. The horror! The horror! Randy says "that was a really karaoke Bob" and "nothing special." And that's freakin' kind. Paula says she has never seen him perform more to the audience but "I wasn't crazy about the performance, or the song, actually" and then she goes into some crap about how genuine he is. Simon calls it "utterly atrocious. … as bad as I have ever heard." Compares it to a first-round audition. Randy, having been circumspect in his comments, is supporting Simon, while Paula tries to get them to move on. Ryan tells Paula to build JC's confidence for the next song. She obliges.

David Archuleta. "Stand By Me." He knows the song but apparently hasn't done it in public. To his dog, but not in public. Pleasant but not thrilling. C plus. Randy says at least there's one guy who always hits the stage wanting to win the whole thing, calls it "hot mad vocals." Paula says he is way beyond his years and "you're seasoned already." Seasoned maybe, but not spicy. Simon says DA could have whistled and still been better than JC; DA, he says, was well placed. But he calls it the best performance so far.

DC, round two. "Baba O'Riley." We're back to moody DC at the beginning, but it works. Well, not on the "don't cry." And he opts not to go for the fast part. C plus again. Randy says it's more like the DC he's grown to love, and "be you." Paula says she wants more, and she's "really humbled to sit here and watch your soul." OK. Simon just says "welcome back, David Cook."

Syesha again. "A Change Is Gonna Come." Here's where she has to make the argument that she deserves to stay more than JC. She's close to making it, too. Her phrasing is iffy, and the range is not great but she starts and finishes big. C plus, but the kind of C plus that ideally mobilizes "Idol" voters.* Randy did not love it as much as her first song and she was trying for things that weren't there. (But she did need to try, to get to top 3.) Paula, eyes glistening with tears, stands and applauds her and calls it "a superstar performance." Syesha tears up, too. Simon says he has to be fair, and "I'm going to agree with Paula."

*I keep going back and forth about whether the producers want JC off or not. Their shrugging off Paula's wackiness a week ago because it was something people talked about — suggests that they'd like people to be talking about JC. On the other hand, the defense of Syesha — including Ryan accusing Randy of buzzkill — is epic, and says the show wants her instead of JC.

Speaking of JC, it's "Mister Tambourine Man." IN WHICH HE FORGETS THE WORDS. I have always thought the worst version of this song was the one on an episode of "F Troop." This is close. Dull, monotonous. More tuneful than his first song, but HE FORGOT THE WORDS. Randy asks what JC thought; JC admits he lost some lines. Randy says JC is not in the zone tonight. Paula again struggles for her positivity, saying the song "didn't blow me away but you blow me away." Simon says, "Pack your suitcase."

DA to close. "Love Me Tender." Which he had to do some research about. Molasses slow. But capable and he keeps it simple. Maybe the best performance of the night. B. Randy calls it great. Paula calls it one of her favorite performances from DA, and "I felt your heart," which I guess is better than watching his soul. Simon says he crushed the competition.

So what have we got? Well, there's no doubt that JC should go home, and the show certainly gave him an ample failure showcase. But it's going to come down to how much his fans backlash against the judges' comments. If I were Syesha, I would still be worried. And Ryan is lobbying for votes, saying this was the week that Tamyra Gray and Chris Daughtry went bye bye.

This is one of those incredibly rare nights when the question of who is getting voted off is far less interesting than other stuff — specifically, how they handle the Paula disaster from Tuesday night. Theories and speculation have flown all day — it's been blamed on bad notes, confusion re the dress rehearsal, Paula's spaciness (whatever the reason for THAT), even Simon confusing Paula with whispers in her ear. (I don't remember seeing that on the air, but when clearly Paula's camp is looking for a plausible excuse, and shifting the blame is as good a way as any.)

But when push came to shove, Ryan delivered a vague, terse defense of Paula. He said the judges were thrown a curveball" (presumably by being asked their opinions sooner than planned), and that rumors about Abdul "were not true. She’s part of our family and we love her."

And that was it, aside from a lot of bowing to Paula during the show itself, including a big softball during the viewer call-in questions. Looks as if they'll just let the audience and the bloggers — hello! — keep yakking about the issue, fueling interest in the show again.

Anyway, in progress notes from the telecast, after the jump. …

(Brooke is out. Syesha was also bottom two.)

Ryan says he is still out of breath from the night before. More than 45 million votes. Neil Diamond and Natasha Bedingfield in the house. Intro of the judges. Group sing tribute to Neil Diamond. Jason Casgtro gets the opening solo. Sad. Boring medley generally and a lot of really ragged harmony.

Ryan in the audience with Constantine and Gina Glocksen, plugging their show on Fox Reality. Plug for some Carrie Underwood product. Recap video from last night. When we get to the recap of judges' first opinions, Simon is the only one quoted.

Live. Ryan says "the judges were thrown a curveball" and that it sparked a lot of talk about Paula. Says the rumors aren't true. Never says which rumors he is referring to. Well, that was terse. I suspect Paula said no more.

Jason Castro is summoned. He is safe. Sympathy vote for the Paula gaffe? I don't think so. The kid has a fiercely loyal, if incomprehensible, fan base.

David Archuleta. Discussion of whether he is being too careful and cautious. Paula gets to talk about him, though not very articulately. He is also safe.

Plug for "So You Think You Can Dance." Gee, I'm sure glad they kept the Paula issue to a minimum so they had room for this. Coca Cola contest winner announced.

David Cook is summoned. Ryan brings up Paula's calling him "the American Idol," DC says it reminded him of Simon's praising Carly — and her then going home. But he is safe.

Syesha and Brooke come onstage. Ryan chats, then sends them to the couch while we endure the guest stars' performances.

Natasha Bedingfield sings. Paula liked her second song best. (Come on, it's a joke!) Ryan turns to the judges for comments about her. Simon says, "Oh, no!" Ryan drops the bit. Natasha goes over to the contestants, gives DA a kiss.

The dreaded phone-ins from viewers. First question: Why does only Paula give the contestants a break? Purely coincidental, of course, for a night when they're trying to redeem Paula. And the second question is also for Paula — about whether she's going to do more music videos. Allows handy plug for the Randy/Paula collaboration. Third question: Woman who kissed Simon when they were 9, and whether it was better than when he kissed Paula. (Three questions, three Paula references.) Simon remembers the woman. The whole bit is going on forever.

Car video: "Catch the Wind."

Neil Diamond sings. Great shot demonstrating what a sham the arm-wavers by the stage are: one little pocket waving while everyone else stands still, then a sudden addition of the others' arm-waves; instructions must have come in. It can't be the song. Chat with Ryan. Ho hum. Neil tells the contestants not to listen to what Simon says. Paula is pleased.

Syesha and Brooke return to center stage. Brooke is out. She cries. I would have taken out Castro before her, but of this bottom two, she's the one who had to go. She's really teary during her sign-off song ("I Am I Said"). Maybe she should stop and start over.

Since, as I mentioned below, I've been at the movies, I'm going to do some speed-watching tonight. But notes such as they are, including Paula losing track of who had sung, after the jump.

Intro, Neil Diamond career video, Ryan says the contestants will be judged after their second song. But I can judge as I go!

Jason Castro starts. "Forever in Blue Jeans"/"September Morn." JC admits that when working with ND, he tried singing the lyrics to one song to the tune of the other. Then he sings. "Blue Jeans" first. Not the worst I've heard him (that was last week), but he continually demonstrates that he has no vocal range. C minus.

David Cook. "I'm Alive"/"All I Really Need Is You." ND notes these are songs that most people have not heard before. "I'm Alive" first. It's got that early-Neil rocker feel, and Cook actually smiles some. But I'm not overwhelmed. C plus.

Brooke "What are the words again?" White. "I'm a Believer"/"I Am I Said." Neil suggests she replace "New York City" with "Arizona" to make the song more about her. But so far ND is mostly reminding me how very good Andrew Lloyd Webber was as a mentor. "I'm a Believer" first. What on earth is she doing with her beginning vocal? Starting low, and not able to get out of there. Also seems to be gasping for breath. Paula is up and dancing, but that's Paula. BW gets better in the latter stages of the song, but another eh performance. C/C minus.

David Archuleta. "Sweet Caroline"/"America." Hey, Carly was working on a "Sweet Caroline" before she got bounced. She planned to make it more of a ballad; DA's going for the big peppy pop thing. Which is fine, though less interesting than what Carly had in mind. And I prefer several other versions, including Frank Sinatra's (yes, Frank Sinatra) and the guys in the cast singing it in "Beautiful Girls." But it's the best vocal so far tonight. B.

Syesha Mercado. "Hello Again"/"Thank the Lord for the Night Time." "Hello Again" first. And the trained seals' waving hands are obscuring Syesha so any attempt to play to the camera is thwarted. They eventually go to a different angle. She's sounding good, though. B plus.

Even though the judges are supposed to wait until after the second song, Ryan goes to them for comments. Randy liked DA and SM. Paula starts talking about JC's second song, when he's only done one. Randy points out that he only did one song. "Oh my God, I thought you sang twice," she says. Did she sit in on dress rehearsal? Then she says she was looking at DC's note as if they were JC's. Simon rips everyone.

Second song. JC with "September Morn." Even blander and more tuneless than the first song. Same problems he always has, which his fans always forgive. D. Judges: Randy thought it was "just OK, whatever." Paula thought it was safe and he needs to get out of his comfort zone. JC says he started choking just before he sang. Simon says this is not the JC the judges put in the competition.

DC. "All I Really Need Is You." He's back to old DC. But I'm not sold on it. Could be the song's so-so. C plus. Randy says he rocked the house. Paula is so proud of him and says she feels as if she is already looking at the American Idol. Simon calls it brilliant. Brilliant?

BW. chats with Ryan. He lets her defend herself against Simon calling her first performance "a nightmare." Also brings up the difficulty of the lyrics in "I Am I Said." Talk about preventive damage control. I really don't like this song, but BW's performance is better than her first. Just not great. C. Randy is pleased, especially because he thinks the song is relatively difficult. Paula rambles her way toward praise. Simon says he really really hated the first song but the second "is the Brooke we like." Still, "it wasn't incredible."

DA. "America." Would seem like a perfect song for him but he doesn't quite have the authority for it. Still, good. And this is the most blatant pitch to the audience's political sensibilities since KLC's "God Bless the USA." B. Randy says he is definitely in the zone. Paula calls it the perfect song for him, and she loves him, and he's brilliant. Simon calls it a clever choice of song.

Syesha to close. "Thank the Lord for the Night Time." Now, this is a perfect fit of song and singer. There are still iimitations to her vocals, and she doesn't transcend the way a Fantasia might, but she's more than capable. B/B plus. Randy says she's finally realizing who she is, and she's in the zone. Paula goes back to talk about how she liked Syesha's first song, and that she liked the second one, and then the Martians come down and drag her back to the mothership. All right, I'm kidding, but Simon calls it the strangest show they've ever done. Then says Syesha is a good actress/singer but that she may be in trouble tonight. He says she didn't have a really memorable second song.

Simon's not completely off base, since Syesha has been on the verge of elimination for a long time, and it's clear that DA, DC and JC all have rabid fan bases, so it's reasonable to think that tomorrow will come down to Brooke and Syesha. But if I had to judge based on performances tonight, I would send JC promptly home. (Yeah, yeah, call me a hater. He's still bad.)

(Update: Next week is the music of Neil Diamond.)

Every year there comes a point when the "American Idol" votes favor an undeserving contestant over better singers. You can trace the line from Nikki McKibbin to Sanjaya Malakar. And every year, when that happens, someone mutters about the show having turned into a popularity contest instead of a singing competition, even though popularity is crucial to mobilizing voters. Every year, we see someone who suffers from a passion gap — being good but not exciting enough in some way to make people believe I absolutely must vote for this person every week as many times as possible.

So it was on Wednesday night. Carly Smithson went home even though she was good while Jason Castro gave a truly horrible performance and Brooke White had to stop and start her song a second time. (And let's put aside this "Idol" nonsense of saying that's the first time it happened. I've rewatched the video of "Every Breath You Take." It's not as a big a restart as she had on Tuesday, but it's a restart nonetheless.) For the second week in a row, a good performance was not enough to save a singer.

So, if this is the way "Idol" goes, why am I still ticked off?

Well, for one thing, because I become as invested in this show as any other viewer. I want to hear good singers, and I want them to succeed, and I don't want to sit through garbage. To a lesser extent, I also come to care about the people, at least as far as I can gauge them from the events on the show.

So I listen again to Carly and Syesha Mercado, who was in the bottom two with her, and am far more impressed with their performances. (And I'm wondering who backstage was responsible for that tacky switch to a shot of Carly and Ryan talking to each other while Syesha sang.)

Neither has had a perfect run, and this still feels like a competition that's headed toward a two-David final. But if you judge people on a given night's performance — instead of on the cume of a season's worth of songs — no way did either deserve to go home before Brooke and Castro. Of course, Kristy Lee Cook did not deserve to go home a week ago based on her performance, but that's how "Idol" works.

Then there's the personal thing. Brooke at least had the good taste to look stunned when she was safe and Syesha was in the bottom two. Syesha, for that matter, shared a final hug with Carly that went on so long, it wasn't just for show. But it seemed that Jason's surviving while Carly went bottom two had no more emotional effect on him than, well, anything else in life. The guy's not getting by on personality, because he barely has one. He's getting by on a cuteness that appeals to some young and speed-dialing demographic that will vote for its guy no matter how inept he proves to be.

Of course, there's a Sanjaya parallel to be drawn here. Sanjaya was notorious for going his own way even when it didn't make musical sense, and on Wednesday night Andrew Lloyd Webber made clear that JC didn't listen to any advice Webber gave. Neither is much of a singer, although I might rank JC a little ahead of Sanjaya. But, while I'm not in the habit of giving Sanjaya any praise, he had a personality. I don't know what JC has. He can barely speak. His song selection for Webber week made clear he's no thinker. He's no more than a passable singer — putting to lie all that nonsense about this being the most talented "Idol" crop ever. He has the goofy smile (Jeff Spicoli redux), the dreads, the big eyes — maybe it's that he's the most relatable contestant for voters who aren't all that articulate or adept themselves, or who dream of being with someone who looks pretty on the couch but will never challenge them, or himself.

OK, so now I have ranted. I hate myself a little for doing so. In its seventh season, "American Idol" should be viewed with cool detachment. But I get invested. And, after a week like this, I feel cheated on my investment.

No matter how
the performances are
considered, Andrew
Lloyd Webber may be
the best "American Idol"
mentor ever.

Notes after the jump. …

Laudatory video about Webber, who seems to like reality competitions. He's done something like this in England, he says, and of course he did a guest shot on "Grease: You're the One That I Want." Ryan asks Randy about this as a category. He says it could be the toughest week of the season. Ryan asks Paula about it. She gives an extended non-answer. RS brings up the Broadway-as-bad vocal issue with Simon, who says the people still have to sound distinctive.

Syesha Mercado first. Song: "One Rock and Roll Too Many" from "Starlight Expres." Webber is clearly hands-on, asking her to sing it a couple of different ways, and telling her which way is better. Thinks she could bring the house down. She sounds fairly good — kind of as if she's trying to bring a "Chicago" vibe to it. But her voice still lacks richness — gets thin and reedy, especially when she tries to belt. But this is the best I have heard her in some time. B. Randy says this is her element, and she could be a huge Broadway star. Paula says this is her happy place. Simon calls it very sexy. Paula seems unable to shut up.

By the way, the New York Times has discovered that the studio audience at "Idol" is manipulated, and there's a lot of coaching of the people nearest the stage. As has been mentioned here many times, and should be obvious to anyone watching the show. But if you're interested in the details, they are here.

Jason Castro. Says he recognized the Webber songs but has never seen any of the shows. Or something. The answer has a lot of "uh" in it. He gets "Memory." Well, tell me the fix isn't in on that one. Webber finds him singing it is odd, and notes that it's sung by an old cat. Castro says he didn't know it was done by a cat. Castro sings. Oh, Betty Buckley, where are you? How about here:

Dreadful dreadful Castro. F. Randy says "wow" and not in a good way. Then calls it "a little bit of a train wreck" and "not your thing, dude," and "too much melody." Paula thinks it was "a very wise choice" and "it sounds like a pop ballad." Recalls Joe Cocker's "You Are So Beautiful." Oh, mercy, talk about a train wreck. Simon says it felt like the longest two minutes of Castro's life, and it was like a song he was forced to sell at a family wedding. "It's not your style of music," says Simon, as Paula continues to try to defend it. Ryan also leaps to JC's defense, asking if people should still vote for him because he was just stuck in a tough week. Feh.

I have played the "Cats" video above to try to wipe out the sound of JC. And can now move on.

Could that be Betty Buckley with RS? Please tell me she didn't have to listen.

Brooke White. "You Must Love Me" from the movie version of "Evita." Webber doesn't think she has a clue what she's singing about but is pleased with her response to his coaching. Two lines in she muffs the words and has to start over. She seems to be working very hard on pronunciation and enunciation — uncomfortably so. While she does rise to the occasion here and there, it's more of a diction lesson than a song. C minus for performance, knocked to a D plus for botching words. Randy says it wasn't great, but praises her for listening to ALW about believing what you're singing. Paula has a long pause and says "you must never start and stop" before praises BW for not overacting and just being herself. Simon says it was so dramatic at the beginning, but that threw BW so much that she became tense, and it was quite uncomfortable to watch. Rescue Ryan gives her a chance to explain her error; she says "I lost the lyric." Prompted by Ryan, Simon says she was brave to stop and start over. Randy agrees that she should have stopped, but Paula seems to think BW should have made up words or hummed or something until she remembered the words.

(A later note: Brooke said that this was the first time she had started a song over. The bride disagreed, and a check of the record finds that she started over — although not as dramatically as tonight — when she sang "Every Breath You Take." Not that any of the judges remembered that.)

David Archuleta. Girls invited onstage to hug him before his video. "Think of Me" from "Phantom." Webber curious to hear a boy sing it. Worries about DA keeping his eyes close all the time during a song. I guess he's singing it all right, but it just sounds like some A/C love song — and not an especially distinguished one. Nor is this one of DA's best performances. But he keeps his eyes open most of the time. C plus. Randy again says DA can sing anything and says "this boy's the one to beat." Paula thinks it was perfect. Simon thought it was pleasant but one of his weakest performances.

Carly Smithson. "All I Ask of You" from "Phantom." ALW cuts her off quickly and says it's not the song for her. Suggests her second choice: "Jesus Christ Superstar." She says it's more her vibe and personality. She's loving it and the band is giving her everything. Botches a lyric but keeps rolling. A little shrill in spots. B plus, although the band itself pushes her up from a possible B. Randy says it's no surprise that the bigger voices are doing best tonight; calls it "definitely good." Paula calls it "so unexpected," questions her range but "I love what you did in the chorus." Simon notes "shouty" parts but calls it one of her favorite performances of the night. The bandleader hands CS a "Simon Loves Me (This Week)" T-shirt. How … unspontaneous.

David Cook to close. "Music of the Night" from "Phantom." ALW calls it the sexiest song he ever wrote. Pushes DC to sing it passionately to ALW — which DC admits is a little strange. Tricky start. This is not the DC voice we've heard most of the time. And they're not giving it his usual broody-rock current. Big strings. And he gets a little lost in the orchestration. But you know this is the week where he says to the audience "I can be as lovable as that other David." And it's a very gentle performance. No chills, but nice. B. Randy again brings up the "you can sing anything" again and calls it another molten-hot lava ball. Paula says it proves how well-rounded he is as a performer and calls it "fantastic." Simon says he made the most of the song but he prefers the grittier DC.

Recap. JC is even more of a nightmare; I'm seeing his twitches more.

But ALW is one of the best mentors I've ever seen on "Idol." The right combination of ideas, detail — and the contestants were willing to listen to him. And now on to the "Dancing" results.

Thursday morning: Next week is Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Original Wednesday post:

Because I missed last night's "Idol" telecast (at the Indians game, see below) and today got away from me, I am going try to do a quick rip through last night's Mariah Carey homage and then the results show. …

(Kristy Lee Cook is out. Bottom three are Syesha, Kristy Lee, Brooke.)

OK, this is going to seem weird but, since the results show is in progress now, I'm posting notes about it at the top. My notes from speed-watching the performance show are below. (Lots of time-shifting here. Think of it as an episode of "How I Met Your Mother," only not as good.)

Results show:

Intro, judges, group sing of "One Sweet Day." JC gets the first solo, then KLC. Both extensive solos. Big build-up for those two before the rest join in. BW seems to be reduced to single notes. Hype for this year's songwriting competition. Recap.

Jason Castro summoned. They're doing the two-group thing. Jason forms one.

David Cook. He is to start a separate group.

Carly Smithson. Goes with Castro.

Kristy Lee Cook. With DC. I think the Cooks are the safe group.

Performance by Elliott Yamin. Not impressed. Chats with Ryan.

Syesha Mercado summoned. Sent to Jason and Carly.

Brooke White. She's with the Cooks.

Archuleta is apparently going to be told which group to pick. An "Idol" tradition. A ridiculous tradition, but one nonetheless.

Phone calls from viewers. I still hate this part. Mariah Carey performs. Dull. Bye-bye. Yet another Ryan reference to the Mariah-Randy connection.

David Archuleta is summoned. Ryan tells him he is safe. Then tells DC to swap with Syesha — shifting the safe dynamic toward the group DC is joining — and asks DA to join the group he thinks is safe. He does the traditional sitting on the floor. But Ryan urges him over to the group with DC, JC and Carly. DC goes to sit with DA.

The bottom three: Brooke, KLC, Syesha.

Syesha is safe. Randy says he can't call this one. Paula again avoids the did-America-get-it-right question. Simon says no surprises, but KLC's time may be up.

Brooke stays, KLC is out. Video journey. She starts her sing-off on the judges' desk, singing directly to Simon. She'll do all right. Decent voice, and country music has been very good to "Idol" singers.

Now I'm done with this part. More notes below.

Tuesday performances:

Seacrest blah blah, introducing the judges, introducing the idols, tape of Mariah. Acknowledgement of her Randy connection. She tells the contestants to look at her, like, whatever, a friend.

Ryan braces the judges about their previous cautioning of singers for taking on Mariah songs — and notes that "production" picked the theme. Laughter and squirming.

Mariah with David Archuleta. Song: "When You Believe." She urges him to go into his falsetto "for two seconds." Big string section for his performance. Big Archuleta voice. But I'm not taken by the song, so my admiration is largely academic. B? And I can't help thinking that having him lead off is a stunt to maybe get him into the bottom three. Not that I can see that happening. Randy says he was worried about "boys singing girls' songs" but "you can sing anything." Paula says it must be great for Mariah to hear DA. OK. Simon says he just knew that was the right song, and it was "very, very good." And that DA set the benchmark.

Carly Smithson. Tats covered. I said tats. Ryan brings up Michael Johns's departure (not for the first time), as if he wants every viewer to go oh, my, who might go this week? Not sweet Carly? Mariah says she's been loving what Carly has been doing. Song: "Without You." Which to many of us is a Harry Nilsson song. And not done especially well by Carly. She's weak at the start and then screaming too much. C. Randy likes that she challenged herself but wanted her to trust her lower range more. Paula liked that she showed vocal restraint and then soared. Simon said he wanted her to sing this song, but he doesn't think she pulled it off.

Syesha Mercado. Song: "Vanishing." Mariah remembers writing it as a teenager. Syesha is impressed that Mariah took her time to help make the song her own. OK but tinny when she goes big. And she goes big a lot. Many whoa-oa-oas. C plus. Randy thinks it's the toughest song of the night and "you did a good job on it, all things considered." Paula rambles but manages to say again how brilliant she thinks MC is, and gets around to a "magical" about the performance. Simon praises it "technically" but questioned choosing a song not many people know (which Paula had thought was a smart move).

Ryan pushes the Randy issue again. Simon says that so far DA has stolen the show.

Brooke White. The missed-wedding bummer issue is brought up by Ryan. "Hero." Mariah says she loved Brooke. Brooke says MC told her to sing how she's feeling and to be real. Brooke is firmly planted at the piano. Decent start, although her "yea, yea" feels contrived instead of soulful. And there's more attempted soulfulness to come along. And this really calls for a big instrumental backing to help her build. No big climax as a result. C plus, I suppose. Maybe a C. Brooke liked the singer-songwriter look until the bridge. Paula calls her authentic and says this "unplugged version" was brave. Simon says she didn't much choice about the way she did it, but it was "like ordering a hamburger and only getting the bun" — that she wasn't strong enough for that song. Food comparisons ensue.

Kristy Lee Cook. Mariah says she gave her goosebumps on "Forever." She does with this song what Brooke should have done with "Hero" — making it big, lots of backup. And she's got a big pop voice that fits reasonably well with it. B minus. Randy didn't think it was amazing but she definitely started stepping up toward the end. Paula thinks she's a very smart girl and Paula was blown away; she thinks it would be a country-western hit, then devolves into a ramble again. Simon says KLC didn't give him chills and that it was a little bit whiny at times.

David Cook. "Always Be My Baby." Mariah thinks it sounds pretty and haunting. Wobbly start. Monotonous bump-bump beat for a long stretch, then he amps it up at the end, which I thought was pretty freakin' good. Shot of DC's friends and family, including his ill brother. B minus. Randy calls it the most brilliant performance yet. Paula calls it awesome. Simon says it was like coming out of karaoke hell into a breath of fresh air — and it stood out by a mile. DC has tears at the end — which Ryan points out, followed by another shot of brother.

Jason Castro to close. "I Don't Wanna Cry." Oh, wait, the audio switched to a smooth-jazz station. No, that's JC. He actually seems to wake up midway through the song, which shows how limited his vocal range is — he's very Justin Guarini at times, and he muffs the falsetto. C. Randy didn't really love it. Felt like he was in "a weird beach luau." Paula says she would love to be at the luau. Simon agrees with Paula. Says it wasn't the best vocal of the night but "it was a cool version." And says "the guys completely won the night."

I'm out. Gotta deal with tonight's show.

"I got a hit, Schumacher, and Ruddy doesn't count any more."*

– Since I was the guy who asked NBC's Ben Silverman to explain how "My Name Is Earl" and "30 Rock" qualified as family-hour shows, it was with great amusement that I read a New York Times piece with an NBC executive admitting that the 8-9 p.m. slot isn't all that family on Thursdays. The exec told the Times that:

… the family-hour designation should be seen as offering "direction for program development," not "black-and-white expectations" for the audience.

"'It was not to be construed as a return to a strictly defined family hour," he said, featuring wholesome shows like “Little House on the Prairie,” a hit on NBC in the late 1970s and early ’80s.

By the way, the Times story managed to discuss the "MILF Island" episode without ever using the acronym "MILF." Although it did offer an explanation of the term: "referring to a teenager’s crude designation of someone’s sexy mother."

– "American Idol" has announced the finalists in its songwriting contest. The details are after the jump, but just looking at the song titles makes me think I've heard enough before I've heard anything. Examples: "Believe," "You Believe in Me," "You Believed in Me" (because past tense makes all the difference), "All You Will Need," "You Can Do Anything," "Dream Big."

– Is it just me, or was "Saturday Night Live" a humongous snore on Saturday? I'm usually willing to at least sit through sketches, but I found myself muttering "well, I can see where this is going" and hitting fast-forward.

– CBS has announced that the next season of "Survivor" will be shot in high-definition. Oh, goodie. Extra clarity for bug bites, skin tight over ribs and, of course, the pixels needed when swimsuits slip.

*I know, it's not from "30 Rock." It's from "Network," and it seemed to go nicely with this pic and with the "MILF Island" episode generally.

Here's the "Idol" song list:

Simon Fuller has announced the Top 20 finalists for the AMERICAN IDOL Songwriting Competition. Fans can listen to each submission and their cast their vote for the next AMERICAN IDOL hit single at www.AmericanIdol.com.

ALIGN – Written by James Smithson
ALL YOU WILL NEED – Written by Lauren Dion and Phil Minardi
BELIEVE – Written by John Buchanan
DREAM BIG – Written by Emily Shackelton
FAITH – Written by Zach Ziskin
FLY ME AWAY – Written by Scott Sheets
HERE I AM – Written by Tom Kitt, Matt Zarley, and Andy Zulla
IN THIS MOMENT – Written by Ryan Gillmor
NO TURNING BACK – Written by Luke Ebbin and Curt Schneider
ONLY LOVE – Written by Ken Stacey, Windy Wagner and David Walsh
OVERCOME – Written by Mark Holman
SOMETHING LIKE HEAVEN – Written by Aaron Sidwell
STRONGER – Written by Jason Phelps and Mendy Shaw
THANK YOU WHATEVER COMES – Written by Fran Lucci, Danny Powers and Dara Stewart
THE TIME OF MY LIFE – Written by Regie Hamm
WE’RE GONNA MAKE IT – Writen by Noel Cohen, Hugh Colocott and Amber Rhodes
WHEN YOU COME FROM NOTHING – Written by Will Hopkins
YOU BELIEVE IN ME – Written by David Barrett, Kurt Schreitmueller and Dan Yessian
YOU BELIEVED IN ME – Written by Perry Smith
YOU CAN DO ANYTHING – Written by Gail Farrell, Mark Gasbarro and Larry Kenton

This from CBS today:

CSI was Thursday's Number One program in viewers on a night that included a special elimination edition of "American Idol," according to preliminary Nielsen live plus same day ratings for April 10.

CSI outdelivered "American Idol" in viewers (19.93m vs. 19.57m).

And here's next week's theme:

On Tuesday, April 15 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the Top 7 finalists (Brooke White, Carly Smithson, David Archuleta, David Cook, Jason Castro, Kristy Lee Cook and Syesha Mercado) will return to the Idol stage to perform songs by Mariah Carey.

Tune in the following night to see a live performance by superstar Mariah Carey and find out who receives enough votes to stay in the competition and who must go home on the results show Wednesday, April 16 (9:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed).

In-progress posting during the show, with spoiler, after the jump.

(Michael Johns is out. Bottom three was MJ, Carly, Syesha.)

"We return to business as usual," says Seacrest. Credits. Introduction of the judges. Paula has the chihuahuas covered.

Recap of "Idol Gives Back." Ryan says total "so far" has passed $60 million. (Isn't that less than last year?) Touts the songs for sale on iTunes.

Group sing of "Shout to the Lord." Not dressed in white tonight. Heavy lifting being done by a huge choir. Jason Castro looks even less engaged than usual, which is something. Idols walk through the crowd to stand behind the judges and sing. Closeups of Carly Smithson, but it's still the choir that's doing most of the work.

More "Idol Gives Back" promotion. This one with Zack & Cody. Then video of more celebs lip-synching to "I'm a Believer." Not as good as the goofy celeb video last year.

Results. 31 million votes, highest this season, says the Seacrest.

Brooke White summoned first. Safe.

David Cook next. Ryan tries to get DC to fight with Simon. DC avoids it, sort of. Ryan throws an insult toward Simon instead. DC is safe.

David Archuleta. And the girls shriek. And shriek. Ryan says we only have an hour. Safe.

More "IGB" promo. Forest Whitaker footage. Not sure if it's the same stuff as last night, since I fast-forwarded through the Whitaker piece on Wednesday. (I think it's great that "Idol" raises money for good causes. I just wasn't going to sit through the requests for money last night.)

Jordin Sparks performs with Chris Brown. This is a decent song, possibly even iTunes-worthy.

Yup, went for iTunes on it.

Presentation of gold CD and platinum-download awards to JS.

More "IGB" promo. Michael Chiklis. Car video: "I Just Want To Celebrate."

You know, with all this "Idol Gives Back" stuff tonight, I keep thinking they might not kick off anyone tonight — like last year — and this is just a way of using another hour to raise money. We shall see.

Jason Castro. Discussion of the cost of a ukelele ensues. He's safe.

Kristy Lee Cook. Safe.

Michael Johns, Syesha Mercado and Carly Smithson are the bottom three.

"IGB" promo with Jim Carrey. Bono on video for www.one.org. Leads into the videos by, in order, Hillary Clinton, John McCain (who gets in a dig about the Michigan and Florida debacle, and does a Simon joke) and Barack Obama. Ah, alphabetical order.

Ryan asks Randy's reaction to bottom three. He calls it "pretty surprising." Ryan asks Paula if America got it right; she says "partly." Simon is asked if America is listening to him. He says yes. Ryan promises a "very emotional" moment.

Syesha and Carly are declared safe. Michael has lowest number of votes — but Ryan hasn't said he's out yet. Recalls that no one was voted off a year ago. But MJ is definitely out. First big shocker of the season. When he was the last one, I was certain that he would be declared safe. I wasn't always a fan, but thought he was good on Tuesday night.

"Celebrate Me Home" video. "A lot of shock right now," says Ryan. Comforting from the judges, although Simon said he picked the wrong song. (Was "Dream On" just not what the inspiration-hungry audience wanted?) MJ sing-off, and he's working it even harder than he did on Tuesday. At least he goes out well.

With "Idol Gives Back" tomorrow, tonight's theme is inspirational songs. In-progress notes after the jump. …

I'm a little behind so tonight's post is mostly going to be about the songs and the judges' comments.

Michael Johns first. "Dream On" by Aerosmith. It's in his wheelhouse but I always though there was an undercurrent of irony in the song that is not part of MJ's description of it. He is kicking on the vocal, although I still think of his best as being good bar-band stuff. But tonight it's very good bar-band. B. Randy says this is one of the important weeks on the show because the contestants are saying who they really are. As for MJ, it was an OK song choice but he thought he heard pitch problems and doesn't see MJ as an Aerosmith type singer. MJ argues about how his dreams have come true. Randy argues back that it's about singing not dreams. Paula, needless to say, disagrees with Randy; she says he sounds as good as he looks. The way the shot is framed, though, Paula looks nearly naked. The dress is not containing her well. Simon thought it was a very good performance but didn't like him impersonating a rock star — thinks he's better when he's more R&B. Paula keeps saying "no way!" Ryan makes a chihuahua reference, apparently about Paula's bursting from her dress.

Syesha Mercado. They talk about Ramiele, who was one of Syesha's roommates. "I Believe" by Fantasia. To echo Randy, all the songs to choose from, and she picks one by a former "Idol" winner — and one known for her power and grit? Starts weak; the keyboard is overpowering her. Big help from a choir on the chorus, but she gets lost in it at times, too. And she goes screechy when she reaches for a big note. If MJ is a bar-band singer, Syesha is working the Ramada lounge. C plus. Randy says Syesha took on another tiger but he didn't find the special connection Fantasia had to the song; it was just OK. She questions Randy. Paula can't wait to jump in. Paula says not many people can take on a song like that but that Syesha made it all her own and this is one of her most shining nights. Simon thought she sang it very well technically but it lacked that "big, big wave of emotion" that came with Fantasia. He wants to know what Syesha is all about. Paula is arguing again as the music wells up.

Jason Castro. Iz's Hawaiian version of "Over the Rainbow." The much heard, much used in soundtracks version, which I still happen to love. JC accompanies himself on ukelele and even messes up the words the same way as the version he's copying. But he's bland when the previous take had emotional resonance. It feels interminable in his rendition. C minus. Randy says JC is back in the hunt and that was blazing hot. I think Randy is worried about having had two fights already. Paula loved it, of course. Simon thought it was fantastic.

Kristy Lee Cook. "Anyway" by Martina McBride. She shouldn't close her eyes when she sings. It looks more sleepy than intense. And this is a pretty boring performance … anyway. Very blah on the verse, then a big note, then blah on the verse, then a big note, then the choir comes in — because if you're going to sell inspirational songs on iTunes, there had better be a choir. C minus. Randy loved it in spite of some pitch moments. Paula snipes at him about the pitch moments, then says this was her best performance by far. Simon brings up the showing who you are as an artist, and says KLC was "very, very good indeed." And she looked like a star tonight, and she is appealing to her audience. Paula adds that she sang unbelievably; Simon balks at unbelievably, settles for "good."

David Cook. "Innocent" by Our Lady of Peace, a favorite band of Cook's. It's OK but he is also getting lost in the backing vocals. Paula is standing and dancing as he sings. Didn't like the song much. C. As Randy speaks, Paula is waving and bouncing. Randy thinks it fell short of what DC has done before. Paula insists that he is the whole package. Simon did not like the performance, and that it was "a teensy weensy bit pompous." Paula is snapping at Simon — he finally tells her to "calm down" — but Simon says it wasn't as good as the last couple of weeks. Ryan prompts Paula to bring up that DC has written "give back" on his hand.

Carly Smithson. "The Show Must Go On" by Queen. Big string section. The instrumental backing is making it tough for the singers to break through, and then she has backing vocals to contend with. She pushes through, but it's not a goosebumps performance by any stretch. Another C. What is wrong tonight? Randy thought it started out well, pitchy in the middle, just OK overall. Paula agrees a little bit; says CS's voice is pretty perfect but Paula didn't feel engaged. Simon says she looks good — and it's a Paula move since he goes on say she lost control of the song and the performance felt angry, because the wrong song was chosen. CS admits she looked at Simon during the song and lost something — but adds that it's her fault. Paula tells her that zillions of people are connected to her. But wasn't Paula NOT connected?

David Archuleta. "Angels." He's at the piano. If there is anyone tonight I would expect to knock the "inspirational songs" category out of the park, it's DA. But the start is only so-so. Of course, he has a big moment, but it's brief. He keeps it surprisingly simple. But I'm still not wowed. B minus. Randy says it's the DA that he loves and this song has DA's hottest moment of all season. Paula says it's fantastic. Simon says it was the best song choice of the night so far, great pop song but not his best vocal so far. Then admits he's nitpicking because DA will sail through to the next round.

Brooke White to close. "You've Got a Friend," notes people know the James Taylor version but she was inspired by Carole King's. You can hear in her vocal that she knows the CK version backward and forward — maybe too well. It's a surprisingly downbeat performance to close the show. Nice, of course. BW is fundamentally nice. But still no wow. For a night that's supposed to inspire, I am un-. C plus. Brooke's emotional when she's done. Randy thought it was just OK "but I wasn't mad at you." Paula calls it one of her favorite songs growing up and a perfect way to close the evening, and "I love you." Simon calls it a pleasant walk in the park, "nice."

I'm out before the recap.

In-progress notes after the jump. …

(Ramiele Malubay is out. Brooke White and Kristy Lee Cook were the rest of the bottom three.)

Here we are, after a day where Ryan Seacrest was reportedly injured and David Cook briefly hospitalized. No mention in the opening. Intro of the judges. Group sing of "9 to 5." Brooke gets the first solo. Kristy Lee Cook the second. Some deeply terrible line dancing by the cast. On it goes. Dialidol, by the way, has Archuleta, Johns, D Cook and Mercado safely outside the margin of error for survival. Malubay in last place but within the margin with the rest.

Dolly on video. Recap of performances.

Michael Johns is summoned. Safe.

David Archuleta. Safe.

Carly Smithson. Safe.

Viewers call in questions. Yawn. Winners of "The Next Great American Band," the Clark Brothers perform. And start off awful, it seems, except that it may be that my DVR is having a conniption fit. Even when the TV seems OK, I am not enjoying. Ford video: "It's Tricky."

David Cook. Ryan brings up the hospitalization. DC says it was blown out of proportion, that he has high blood pressure and it spiked. Safe.

Ramiele Malubay. Bottom three.

Kristy Lee Cook. She's sure she is bottom three. And she is. Ryan asks Paula about KLC and RM in bottom three. She says she thought they both had a good night on Tuesday.

Video update on Bucky Covington, Bo Bice, Phil Stacey, all now in/near Nashville. Bucky has a CD, Phil has one coming out, Bo took a year off to recover from surgeries — and has a CD.

Syesha Mercado. Safe.

Down to Brooke White and Jason Castro. Brooke is bottom three.

Simon says the bottom three is "absolutely right."

More about "Idol Gives Back."

Dolly Parton sings "Jesus and Gravity." Dolly talks with Ryan. Dolly is relaxed, pleasant, chatty, even if she doesn't quite get Ryan's jab at Simon about his Dollywood comment on Tuesday.

Ryan asks Randy who he thinks is out. He says Ramiele. Simon says "it's not going to be Brooke." Brooke is teary, about the contest and "Idol Gives Back" and Dolly talking about "Jesus and Gravity." And Brooke is safe. KLC is safe. Ramiele is out.

Can't argue with that. She has been out of her depth for some time and did nothing with her Dolly song.

Ryan is extra compassionate with her before she leaves, thanks her for being on the show. With the other four women behind her, she sings herself out. The guys join the women.

And good night.

Notes after the jump …

Dolly Parton night. She looks terrible, but that's nothing new.

Brooke White. "Jolene." She's on guitar, backing includes fiddle. She seems to be rushing the song. I wonder if the hour length tonight has put more pressure on the singers to move it along. OK. Not great. No iTunes. C. Randy doesn't know if it was stellar but it was all right. Paula calls her consistent and puts her heart and soul into her songs, and she's "excellent and wonderful." Brooke compliments Paula's hair, then Simon's and Randy's. Simon thinks the song was lacking emotion and didn't like the way the band looked onstage. Paula argues. Talking over each other ensues.

David Cook. Ryan kisses up to him and asks how he chooses arrangements; he says online. Will do his own arrangement tonight of "Little Sparrow." Dolly says it's one of her favorites. She is tres complimentary to DC. (She said earlier she couldn't have been an "Idol" judge because she couldn't criticize people.) His version of "Little Sparrow" sounds at first like "Broken Wing." Gost a little churchy thing in it, too. It's OK but I'm still not in an iTunes mood. C plus. Randy says DC is a rocker who has been showing he has an unbelievable range. Paula praises his haircut — now out of his eyes. Calls his performance fantastic. Simon says it wasn't as good as last week, but if he can make a song about sparrows good, "then congratulations."

Ramiele Malubay. "Finally someone my size!" says Dolly. RM says she was starstruck. 'Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?" RM's getting a lot of backing-vocal help. Very peppy, when this is a song that can have a solid brooding side. (Check out Joan Osborne's version.) But RM's not one for introspection. C. Randy wasn't jumping up and down but it was "kind of all right. … 6 1/2 out of 10." Paula thinks she had "a great minute and 30 seconds" and connected with the audience. Simon says we're not going to remember this in 10 years; it was cute but very cruise-ship.

Jason Castro with Ryan. NO, NO, DON'T ASK HIM TO SPEAK IN COMPLETE SENTENCES!! Ryan shows him a set of postcards all from the same girl. Jason is not, in fact, asked to speak. Then we do see him on tape. He's doing "Travelin' Thru." Not a heavy-lifting song, but from a pretty good movie ("Transamerica"). He's pleasant but no more. but it's not the most demanding song either. Another freakin' C. Randy thought it started rough but that it became pretty good. Paula thought it was one of his strongest performances. (Well, he did seem to be awake at least.) Simon didn't like it, didn't think it was sung particularly well, didn't like the song either.

Carly Smithson. "Here You Come Again." Not written by Dolly, Miss Parton notes, but one of her better-known recordings. DP thinks CS kills. She's bringing it down to thoughtful acoustic — what Ramiele could have done with her song, if RM were capable. But after the nice acoustic opening, it goes big pop, but too adult contemporary, and the big note doesn't fit with the rest. C, C, C.

Let me pause here to say that I like a lot of Parton songs. I also like the Parton covers on "Just Because I'm a Woman." But I'm not sold on this stuff tonight.

Getting back to CS, Randy and Paula loved her; Simon thought it was good but not great and thought she wasn't dressing enough like a star. Ryan beats on Simon about not liking country music. Strange at this point, since CS didn't do it country. Simon says he wants great performances. Paula says how wonderful and evolving CS is.

David Archuleta. "Smoky Mountain Memories." Dolly is pleased. DA says it reminds him of his home. DP thinks he could be "a great, great singer." DA basically turns it into an Eagles song. Little too slowed down but the guy can sing and he embraces the tune. B. Randy says DA is back and that was the best performance of the night. Paula thinks he has a beautiful aura. Simon says DA's song choice was absolutely on the money.

Kristy Lee Cook. "Coat of Many Colors." DP thinks her mama's gonna be so proud — but KLC says she would rather impress DP. Another arrangement that sounds rushed. And this is a story song, so the abbreviated version kills the story. Decent voice, though. C plus. Randy says country is in her wheelhouse. Paula says she looks stunning and gave a beautiful performance. Simon thought last week was her best performance and this was forgettable.

Syesha Mercado. "I Will Always Love You." Dolly likes her way of combining Dolly's version with Whitney's. Syesha sitting on a piano to sing. Does keep it simple to the chorus. Maybe too understated. Then begins to bring it near but not in Whitney territory. And then hits a full Whitney, with a long held note leading into the close. Nice. B minus/C plus. Randy thought she took on the biggest tiger of the night and did pretty good. Paula likes her velvety tone and thinks she is "growing and growing and growing." Simon calls it one of the best pop songs ever but he almost wished she hadn't gotten it; liked the first part but thought she didn't match up with Whitney.

Michael Johns to close. He says Dolly was his first concert in 1986. I have to think that, overall, this year's contestants paid attention to all the mentor-dissing last year and decided against it. "It's All Wrong But It's All Right." He's trying to take it to church but it feels redundant without much variety, and it doesn't build to anything. The falsetto's just not a big payoff. C. Randy calls it blazing hot and a nice job. Paula talks fast but then slows down, but likes him. Simon also impressed.

Recap. Now I know who Castro reminded me of: Steve Forbert. DC sounds better in the recap. (Yes, yes, yes, they're from dress rehearsals.) KLC seems weaker, Syesha better, MJ better in the small dose than in the full performance. And I am out.

I am attending a screening of "Leatherheads" tonight so it will probably be late tonight or early tomorrow before I post about the "Dancing with the Stars" results and what madness ensues when "American Idol" meets Dolly Parton. Talk among yourselves, and I will be back when possible.

Notes from Wednesday after the jump. I have also added the announcement about Dolly Parton next week.

(Chikezie is out. Was with Jason Castro and Syesha Mercado in bottom three — with Castro first declared safe. Kristy Lee Cook, Ramiele Malubay, Michael Johns, Brooke White, David Archuleta, David Cook and Carly Smithson are safe.)

Here's the release on Parton, followed by my in-progress notes from Wednesday:

Finalist Chikezie was eliminated tonight from the AMERICAN IDOL competition after he received the fewest of America’s over 30 million votes. On Tuesday's performance show, contestants sang songs from the year they were born, and Chikezie, 22, from Inglewood, CA, sang "If Only For One Night."

In 2006, Parton earned her second Oscar nomination for "Travelin' Thru," which she wrote for the film “Transamerica.” She has garnered seven Grammys, 10 CMAs, five ACMs and three AMAs; she is one of only five female artists to win the CMA Entertainer of the Year Award. Beyond a world tour in support of “Backwoods Barbie,” Parton is currently putting finishing touches on the music and lyrics for the upcoming Broadway musical version of “9 to 5.” Parton starred in the 1980 film and earned an Oscar nomination for writing the title tune, along with two Grammy Awards.

And here's what I wrote during the results show last night:

Blah blah Ryan says 30 million votes blah blah intro of judges blah blah blah hype for the songwriting competition that gave us (eek) "This Is My Now." Group sing. "Right Back to Where We Started From." Ramiele gets the first solo, and doesn't do much with it. Doesn't get much better as other singers join. Crowd shots. I think I saw Constantine Maroulis. Don't care. Could we move on to the pointless crowd eliminations? First, commercials.

After ads, hype for the iTunes downloads of the songs, showing them being recorded in the studio. (I've seen more than a little griping on iTunes about these prerecorded versions since they don't match the intensity or impressiveness of the live-on-stage renditions.) We see them adding echo on Brooke White, Michael Johns botching a take, other stuff. Apparently everyone got a free iPod. Recap of Tuesday. David Archuleta insists that "You're the Voice" is one of his favorite songs.

First results. Chikezie is summoned. He's very nervous, says "it's a Wednesday." Bottom three.

Brooke White. She is extremely diplomatic on the band/no band question. And is safe.

Carly Smithson. She denies a news report that she's pregnant. And is safe. Break.

Ford video. "I Want You to Want Me."

David Archuleta. Admits he might have gotten carried away on Tuesday. Still is safe.

David Cook. Ryan says Chris Cornell "loved" DC's cover of Cornell's cover. Safe.

Syesha Mercado. Bottom three.

Michael Johns. Safe. Ryan notes that Dolly Parton works with the contestants next week. Break.

The call-in question segment. One of the worst ideas "Idol" ever had. And my mind is not changed when Chikezie is asked if he is single. (He is, he says, very, very single.) Archuleta is asked — by a caller from Orrville, Ohio — why he chose his song and he reiterates that it is one of his favorites. And on it goes.

Kimberly Locke on tape and singing. I liked her back in her "Idol" days. Still think that — based solely on that night's performances — she should have gone from the top three to the final two. Good voice still. A very "Idol"-y song, and I don't mean that in a good way. Randy and Paula offer kudos. Simon remains silent into the break.

"Idol" gives back is touted.

Ramiele Malubay is summoned. Ryan brings up the sickness defense again. She's safe.

Down to Kristy Lee Cook and Jason Castro. Ryan says Lee Greenwood is very proud of KLC. She's safe. Pandering pays off. JC goes bottom three.

Ryan asks Paula if she's bothered by the bottom three. She gives a rambling, sympathetic answer. Castro says he knew he was bottom three. But he's safe. Break.

Syesha is safe. Chikezie is out. Video journey. He does his farewell sing and sounds better than he did Tuesday night. And so, good night.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I had a speaking engagement last night, to the Tire Town chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals, and I had an excellent time. I especially like the Q&A's, to hear what people are interested in, and to have more of a dialogue with them.

But it means that I caught "Idol" somewhat on the run (see the previous post), saw only the final moments on "Dancing With the Stars" and have not yet gotten to the finale of "Jericho." So let's have a Cone of Silence on that one, please. And with a night's sleep and the light of day I'm wondering if last night was an "Idol" watershed.

That is, has the momentum? For weeks, David Archuleta has been the only singer declared safely outside the margin of error by Dial Idol's analysis. After last night's show, we have three — DA, David Cook and Carly Smithson — and Cook is in first place.

I could easily see a DC/DA final and with it yet another battle for "Idol's" soul. And at this point, the show may well be ready to sell itself to Cook. We have heard a lot from the judges this season about wanting a more youthful, contemporary sound, with the implied message being that the same-old-same-old may not move enough CDs or iTunes downloads.

Or the show knows that DA will move a certain amount of product win or lose, but having him lose while DC wins could set up a Clay/Ruben situation — and, to get once again note a basic reason for "Idol," two biggies will sell more units than one. On the other hand — and I always try to remember the other hand — it remains to be seen if DC has another performance like last night's in him. And the possibility of his winning could just mobilize the DA base to push their guy over the top.

Advertising Age reports that ad man Hal Riney has died. A full obit and a recap of his accomplishments is here. The man was involved in some pretty remarkable things. One that caught my eye was the origin of the Carpenter's "We've Only Just Begun" in a bank commercial. You can see a clip of the ad, and of songwriter Paul Williams talking about it here:

The intersection of commercials and the Carpenters doesn't end there, either. While I was YouTubing, I came across this piece:

I'm a little late getting started because of a speaking engagement. But will post as I replay the show, albeit with some skipping over chatter. …

Blah blah blah, Ramiele Malubay performs first. (Theme of the week: Songs from the year you were born.) Video reminiscing about how she became a singer. Song: "Alone" by Heart. Didn't we get this already this season? PLEASE STOP THE PHONY AUDIENCE ARM-WAVING. Low voice, then big on the chorus. Big and screechy. C minus. Randy says she's under the weather as he is, but it wasn't a good song choice. Recalls that Carly did it before. Paula also brings up the illness defense and says she's brave to try it anyway. Paula also sounds raspy. Simon didn't think it was as bad as Randy said; he thought it was OK at first but got shrieky, but says that if she got through based on last week's performance, she'll get through this week. Ryan gets Randy and Simon to bicker. Break.

Jason Castro. Song: "Fragile" by Sting. He's back with his guitar. It's amazing how he gets through the song without ever appearing complete awake. Drone drone drone — high note — drone drone drone — squinchy face — drone. C minus. Randy liked the little Spanish touch and thought it was all right (this coming after Ryan wondered if Randy was too mean about Ramiele). Paula didn't see anything different and thought it was safe but somehow tries to make that sound complimentary. Simon thinks he has had two bad weeks and it's time for him to start taking this more seriously. Compares it to a singer outside a subway station. Ryan asks Jason if he is taking it seriously. "Yeah," he says, smiling, and millions of Americans remind themselves to rent "Half Baked."

Syesha Mercado. "If I Were Your Woman." Gladys, of course, although there's a Bonnie Bramlett version you should find. Too slow, and even when she's intense she sounds a little thin. Best performance so far, but I'd still say no more than a C plus. And the Bonnie Bramlett version is on iTunes. Randy calls it a good moment for her, and declares it the best he's heard her sing. "We've got another competitor in the competition!" Paula calls it the moment where Syesha flipped it and became the dark horse and sailed on through. Simon calls it the best so far but didn't consider the end as good as Randy claimed, and thought she was stretching her vocal limits.

Chikezie. "If Only For One Night." Oh, going into Luther's world. Starting off creamy, but he doesn't have Luther's range. Gets shaky in spots. Gets better when he testifies, but that's not for very long. C plus. I want the crazy Chikezie back. Randy says Syesha made her cut younger-feeling while Chikezie was too old school, wasn't hip and cool. Paula disagrees, calling it "a good throwback." Cites Brenda Russell as well as Luther. Simon thought he sang it well but the performance was cheesy, such as the reaching into the trained seals — I mean, the audience. Chikezie says he's singing for the trained seals — I mean, the audience. Simon wanted originality.

Brooke White. "Every Breath You Take." Ah, the stalker song. She's at the piano. False start on the first line, has to start over. Well, the way Brooke sings, she's a very polite stalker. Good voice, too — still, this is supposed to be a little scary. C. Randy liked that she started over but did not love the arrangement, and was waiting for something different to happen. It was just OK. Paula enjoyed it more than last week's then goes into her fragmented way of talking. Simon agrees with Randy, particularly about staying on piano without the band, but considers it good enough to keep it another week.

Halfway mark. Michael Johns. Cutdown medley of "We Will Rock You" — oh, hey, are the Cavs playing tonight — and "We Are the Champions." He's authoritative, I suppose, but so are 20 guys singing this in the nosebleed seats of the Q. And he screeches. C minus. Randy loved it. Paula calls it MJ's shining moment. Simon says it's the first time he has seen star potential in MJ, and it's the only memorable performance of the night so far. No one mentions Jock Jams. so I am.

Carly Smithson. "Total Eclipse of the Heart." Epic cheese alert! She brings the cheese, with a metal-guitar backing that doesn't quite work. And she pronounces everything very clearly. But she knows her cheese. C plus. Ryan thought it wasn't quite the right song for her. Paula defends her song choice. Randy didn't like "the whole rock thing" on it. Paula says Carly could make her buy every song she doesn't like. Randy continues to argue. Simon says something didn't quite work, that she was tense.

David Archuleta. "You're the Voice." Did I say Carly knew her cheese? Aside from a certain lack of plausibility in an "ooh," Archuleta proves once again that he is the definitive "American Idol" winner — I mean, contestant. He will make sense of any drivel they throw at him as the first single. I don't like this song but I am still giving him an A.
Randy says he can sing "whatever" but he doesn't know the song. Apparently no one on the panel quite knows it. (John Farnham, it appears?) Simon has reservations. Doesn't matter. Remember Blake Lewis dropping the ball on the cheeseball single last year? DA has no such worry.

Kristy Lee Cook pauses for a visit on her way to the bottom three. "God Bless the USA." Oh, mercy. Well, you know, if we vote her off now, the terrorists will have won. Although she doesn't sing it all that badly. But this is such a ploy, I can't help but think of the movie "American Dreamz." C. Randy thought it was a very nice performance. Because if he criticizes her, then the terrorists will have won, too. Paula called it very poignant and respectful, but says she has seen better performances from her. Simon calls it her best performance and a great song choice that will keep her in the competition.

David Cook to close. "Billie Jean," Chris Cornell verson. Slow, ponderous, but he sells it. I don't like this guy, and I don't know the arrangement he has borrowed, but he has managed to make me not hate him this week. Maybe if I knew what he was covering.* B overall, B plus for the latter half. Randy calls it "blazing molten hot." Paula is standing, won't sit, and calls him smart and brave and willing to stretch the boundaries. Simon says it could have been either insane or amazing, and it was amazing.

*I just listened to a bit of Cornell, which was more acoustic than Cook's thundering, so I have to give a little more homage to Cook. I still think DA tore it up more, but Cook's a very competitive second.

And I'm out of here.

Malcolm X Abram and I discuss the Top 10!

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Sorry about the fidgeting. We were having too much fun. (You should hear us before the camera's on.) Sorry, too, about the hair bump. Didn't know it was there.

In-progress notes after the jump …

(Safe so far: Brooke, David A, Michael, David C, Jason, Ramiele, Syesha, Chikezie. Bottom three: Carly, Kristy Lee, Amanda. Carly is safe. Amanda is out.)

This won't be the most detailed recap ever. I got home about 8:30 after a semi-busy work day, and am not at my most lucid.

Mentors announced: Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Neil Diamond. Didn't they realize the mentors thing didn't really work — especially with young singers who had no connection to some mentors? Then again, this is a show that thought it could wring two weeks of good performances out of the Beatles songbook.

Hype for the songwriting contest. Didn't they realize that "This Is My Now" was a bad song? Oh, right. Two weeks of Beatles songs.

Group sing. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," "Here There and Everywhere" and so on. The bride notes that Amanda appears to be not singing in the sections calling for close harmony. (She does get a solo a little later.)

Recap. Re-edited to put David Archuleta at the end.

Brooke is summoned, and is safe.

Carly summoned, and is bottom three. Randy and Paula insist America got it wrong.

Archuleta. Safe.

Michael Johns. Safe. Break.

Making-of-a-Ford-video segment. Followed by, gosh, the Ford video. "Should I Stay Or Should I Go?"

David Cook is summoned. Safe.

Kristy Lee Cook. Bottom three. Ryan does not ask the judges if America got this one wrong.

Jason Castro. Safe.

Ramiele Malubay. Safe.

Return of the stupid call-in question feature. I decline to recap.

Kellie Pickler intro. Ryan says she has grown in so many ways. If you know what he means, and I think you do. Video. Kellie sings "Red High Heels." Either I am slipping into a coma or this is an excruciatingly long song. Break.

"Idol Gives Back" update, with Fantasia and Elliott Yamin helping to fight malaria in Africa. Fantasia also sings "Amazing Grace." A baby is named after Elliott. He wipes away tears.

Syesha Mercado is summoned. Safe.

Amanda Overmyer and Chikezie are summoned. Chikezie safe, Amanda bottom three.

Carly safe. Leaves Amanda and KLC.

Ryan asks Simon if America got it right. He says yes. KLC is safe. Amanda is out.

Journey video, Ruben song, blah blah blah.