The Final 4...A Final Bore?

Idolites -

First, let me thank Ed Harowicz for filling in for me last week. I now feel sorry for everyone, since you'll have to listen to me for the rest of the season. Great job Ed!!

We're down to the Final 4 and it seems like most of the contestants are taking steps back instead of blossoming into "artists" (as Jamie Foxx would say). Seems to that the Idol producers are taking steps back too. Jamie Foxx again? Really? Do the producers think having Jamie go face-to-face with the contestants is that compelling or are they running out of big name singers that are willing to do the show.

Over the past few seasons you started to see bigger and bigger name artists end up on the Idol stage, because they knew that the ratings were huge and the show was a huge part of the country's culture. Now, with ratings starting to fall and the show seemingly having jumped the shark, maybe those same artists will now begin to avoid appearing on the show?

All I know is that Idol is in serious jeopardy and with Simon leaving at the end of the season, I'd be surprised to see the show continue for more than one or two more seasons.

Boy am I ever cheery today, eh? I hate to be such a downer about Idol, however this season has been quite a disappointment after such a great season last year. I realized how much so last week when I was on my road trip. I was in Chicago on Tuesday night eating a late dinner and remembered that I had missed the show...and didn't really care. Last season, I would have been freaking out to have missed a show. Heck, I didn't even watch the shows on DVR when I got home.

I think one downfall of Idol may be due to the rise of YouTube. Oprah was on yesterday (yes, I am working from home now) and her show was dedicated to talented children. On the show were Jutin Bieber and Charise. 16 & 18-years old respectively, these new pop sensations were both discovered on YouTube. When Idol began in 2002, YouTube did not have such a large presence. I think Idol used to be a way for talented kids to get their break. It still is to a degree. However, I believe the supremely talented folks are getting discovered more easily and Idol is left with the also-rans.

Whatever the case, I have heard from many of you over the season and it will be the last one you will be watching.

Here's just another reason why:

LEE - "Kiss From A Rose" What happened to Lee? From all accounts he was really good last week and had been gaining momentum with each performance. Last night felt like he had stepped back into the insecure, Dave Mathews-esque mode. He was dressed sloppy, the arrangement was lazy, his voice was all over the place and he was, again, hunched over with his guitar on stage looking quite sheepish. I don't think Lee will go home this week, but he sure didn't help his cause (or drive future ratings) with this performance.

MICHAEL - "Will You Hold Me?" Though the judges were a bit harsh on him, I give Michael credit for understanding the gravity of the moment and felt he put forth a serious effort. Despite his jacket being a couple sizes too small, he looked like he was there to win. Ellen was pretty brutal when she ripped him for having a goal to finish in the top 3 and not to win. I kind of agree with her, though. That seems like the attitude for everyone this season. No one is going out there and going for the win.

CRYSTAL & LEE DUET - "Falling Slowly" So instead of having each contestant sing twice, they go for two duets. It's no surprise the producers pt Lee & Crystal together, as I'm sure they hope it is these two in the finale. They certainly didn't disappoint. It was one of the best performances this season. Too bad this isn't American Duets. Thanks to Seacrest (another big reason Idol is flailing this season), we get another uncomfortable line of questioning about what it was like singing into each other's eyes...c'mon Seacrest, this isn't Extra...grow up.

CASEY - "Mrs. Robinson" Lucky doesn't like Casey's hair tonight. I think it's kind of ironic he chose that song and thought it was quite funny that Randy brought it up. Here is Casey, siting in the top 4 and he has to rehash the whole Kara crush thing again...ugh! I actually kind of liked his rendition of the song. I though he changed it up just enough and his delivery was professional. Not mind-blowing, but good. Teal leather jacket???

CRYSTAL - "I'm Alright" Who'd a thunk? The cheesy theme from Caddyshack? Well, she mixed it up pretty well and had the best solo performance of the evening, but that's not saying much. I thought it was a bit light for her at this stage of the game, but she's a lock for the finale, so she can afford to take these kind of risks. I was struck by Simon's comment that she is back in the game. When was she ever not in the game? I think Crystal could break the front-runner curse.

MICHAEL & CASEY DUET - "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?" Ugh...I really hate this song. The guitar playing was good and they did a nice job on the vocals. It was really hard for me to get past the song, but the cheese factor fit Michael well...and his suit was pretty cool for this song.

RECAP:

Best Look - Michael (on duet)

Worst Look - Lee (solo)

Best Performance - Lee & Crystal duet

Worst Performance - Lee (solo)

PREDICTIONS:

Bottom 2 (should be) - Casey, Michael

Bottom 2 (will be) - Casey, Michael

Out (should be) - Casey

Out (will be) - Casey

Sorry if I brought anyone down. Enjoy the show tonight.

Pool Boy Out!