American Idol Results Recap, Wednesday, April 22: It’s The Last Dance For Lil & Anoop

Once upon a time, there was a movement. It started slowly, but with time, more and more people did the Hustle to the Bus Stop to catch a ride to Funkytown. When they arrived, they found High Energy, Good Times, and a Macho Man everywhere they turned – it was a veritable Boogie Wonderland.

It was disco.

And it was guuuuuuud.

But like all guuuuud things, that, too, had to come to an end. As flammable as was the clothing worn by its devotees, so, too, were the tunes, and it all went up in a Disco Inferno.

Now we are just left with memories. Well, memories, and disco era artists who still cling desperately to the genre that made them shooting stars. Still willing to Get Up Offa That Thing, act like a Super Freak, and shake their groove thangs. But we’ll get to Freda Payne, Thelma Houston, and KC in a moment... first we have to see who gets the Shaft...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The show opened in dramatic form – jarring flashbacks to Tuesday night’s performances and critiques, spliced with backstage commentary from the Idols. Riveting stuff: Allison, "This week is very important because it’s disco and it could be a trap."

No problem for the Idols. They easily avoided the trap by not doing any disco. I think I’m with a lot of the commenters at this point – why even have a theme if no one is made to follow it? Something as campy as Disco Night? Well, call me crazy, but I think it should actually have some disco involved.

Oh well, you can’t change the past by shouting Y-M-C-A! at it.

Ryan reminded us of the import of the night's show: Two journeys (dun dun DUN) end tonight. (Ba dum DUMMMM) No one is safe. (Dadoopf dadoopf WABOOM!) Get ready for a DOUBLE elimination (Boom dun dun da da BA DA DOOMPF!!) T.I.A.I.

As the graphics finished, Miss American Idol, Ryan Seacrest, again wafted down from his ivory power tower. OK, look, producers, the staircase is older than the loaf of bread I found in the back of my pantry last week. Seriously, if you look closely, you will see mold growing along the edges. Either throw it away or at least make it exciting – jiggle a step and have Ryan faceplant in Paula's cleavage ... or something.

Ryan then bid everyone a Happy Earth Day and reminded us all how benevolent and environmentally conscious AI is by telling us the finale will once again be run entirely on green power and that Paula will be wearing a dress made of mulch and recycled Coke bottles.

Ahhhh, the judges – Randy, channeling some disco cowboy in a black shirt with bright red stitching; Kara was, as far as I could see, entirely naked save for a huge horsetail strapped to her head and flung over one shoulder; Paula was wearing earrings from the Starship Federation Collection, and had been outfitted by a spider who received a BeDazzler for Christmas; and Simon’s mood could be read by the color of his sweater – somber and gray.

Ryan then informed us that this week was special, history making, even. This week, none other than Paula, herself, had chorUGHraphed the GROUP SONG.

OK, I’ll mute my snark button for a moment. I actually think this is a good thing. Despite Ms Abdul missing a few pieces from her mental place setting, she can dance. She has been choreographing for people for decades. Watching her work with the kids, it is evident she still keeps in shape, still has creativity, and most importantly – the woman does actually care.

(I liked the small snippet of the kids taking a break on a couch. Matt downloaded himself singing as a ringtone to his phone. Life truly has to be surreal for them all at this point.)

Paula then intro’d the GROUP SONG (good lord, she was so excited I thought she was hocking Sham Wows or Oxy Clean for a moment), which really wasn’t since there was no attempt to even pretend to really be singing Shake Your Body. No microphones, just lots of lip syncing so they could better concentrate on their Abdulography.

Now there’s some disco feel! The kids were decked out in bell bottoms, vests, polyester, medallions, killer collars, even Go Go Boots (Lil looked like an extra in an Austin Powers flick, baybay).

They all worked their dance moves, but Adam takes the prize for Most Into It. He’s a natural performer and knows to embrace whatever he is asked to do on a stage. Clearly that is not the mindset of Anoop, Kris, Matt, and Danny – they all wore a look on their faces that read, "I feel like a flaming douchenozzle!"

Once it was over, Paula – the proud Stage Mom – came up to accept flowers. Good lord – were those gold shoes or stilts? Those things had to have seven inch heels.

Back from the break, the camera showed a quick shot of an audience member holding a VEGANS heart SIMON sign – Natala, was that you???

Quick segue into the FORD VOMMERCIAL – this week was a mishmash of the kids attempting odd jobs like flinging flour and squirting icing all over a bakery, dousing a dog with four gallons of shampoo at a Pet Spa, and attempting to do roadwork by building a wall that doesn’t stand up and whipping tar in Kris’s face. They end their hard day at an Open All Night Cafe.

Can you say pointless? I knew you could.

Ryan then brought down the lights and had Lil, wearing some beautiful silver pineapples in her ears, stand up. No big surprise – come to the far side of the stage.

What? No silver stool?

Nope.

"Unfortunately, the journey ends for Lil Rounds tonight."

Yeah. THAT quick. No suspense. No wait through other performances, inane banter, commercials – just SMACK! You be outta here!

She handled it with class, though, even when Ryan thrust the microphone into her hand and told her to start singing. In fact, I’d say her reprisal of I’m Every Woman was a far sight better than Tuesday night. She left it all on that stage and did it with a smile.

Randy’s parting words of advice (get a pencil and write these down, I know you’ll want to have them embossed on a plate): "Lil, baby, yo, you’re just on your way, yo, this is just the beginning, this is just the beginning, you hear what I’m sayin’ this is just the beginning, Lil, just the beginning, baby."

Wow. Amazing words to remember. The preamble to the Constitution, the Gettysburg Address, JFK asking what you can do for your country, and Randy – yo, dawg, lava bomb.

‘Scuse me. I...need...a moment. Sniff sniff...

OK, let’s continue.

Ryan then intro’d a medley of disco era greats, beginning with Freda Payne singing Band of Gold – or was that Sheree from Real Housewives of Atlanta? Never mind...

Freda was decked out (or stuffed into) a long sequined gown of gold, and looked good for her age. Unfortunately, as well "preserved" as her face was, her lungs have not received the same rejuvenation – she was out of breath from the first word to the last, but given the full body Spanx she was surely wearing to squeeze into that dress? I’m surprised she could breathe at all.

Sadly, this was only the first car on our Disco Train of Terror.

Quickly following Freda was Thelma Houston, fresh from winning a battle with a blender.

Good God – was this an attempt to actually look like a Disco Duck – a pregnant one at that? Bright yellow, tattered and torn, and her hair – was that hair, or was it a pile of french fries? – girlfriend was looking rough.

But, yes, there is a but (and I do not mean the one boogying under that chiffon nightmare she was wearing – Thelma can still belt. She tore into Don’t Leave Me This Way and owned her moment on the Idol stage – even Simon was smiling.

Most disturbing moment of the evening? At the very end when that baby she was carrying began to emerge - obviously breach – from her spangled top.

The caboose on this souless train was none other than KC (sans the Sunshine Band – they have apparenty decided to live their sunset years in quiet dignity) who emerged with backup dancers to huff and puff his way through Get Down Tonight.

Poor KC, he looked like the lovechild of Rush Limbaugh and Joe Pesci.

Dressed in a tent-like red shirt and black pants, he looked like a chubby deer in headlights. And having buff, hot dancers cavort around him? Sorry girls, but I think if he did do a little dance, and made a little love, he’d have a stroke tonight.

I don’t know about you, but I sat on my couch with waves of empathetic embarrassment washing over me.

Thank God for the commercial break.

Back, Ryan had the lights down and Kris standing up. No big surprise – everyone’s favorite underdog was SAFE, as was Adam, as was Danny.

Sorry to speed through that, but I don’t think anyone needed to be sitting for that information.

(I did, however, enjoy Simon verbally spanking Ryan during an exchange about Danny: "Go back to the contestants." I do believe I saw Ryan’s lip quiver.)

Anoop was asked to stand, time was wasted rehashing his awfulness and he was sent to the silver stools. I agree with Jacquelynn’s comments from last week’s results show in which Anoop’s circulatory system was once again hit with an emotional cattleprod – NOTHING phases him anymore.

Anoop, take a stool while we pull your small intestine out through your left nostril with a salad fork, while your right foot is being chewed off by a rabid beaver, your hair is set on fire, and a woodpecker removes your left eyeball.

Anoop: Okey dokey.

Allison and Matt then stood up, and I was actually surprised to see it was Matt who managed to edge out Allison. She was upbeat about it, practically skipping her way to the stools where she would have to sit with Anoop, the beaver, woodpecker, and flames while David Archuleta sang.

Yes, Puppy Love was back for another moment in the Idol sun. Dressed like a Disney dream come true – he looked as adorable as ever in JEANS, a denim shirt, tie, and hoodie.

He then started to sing his new song, Touch My Hand, and was it just me, or was it off key and flatter than Anoop’s EKG? Yikes. I touched my hands to my ears to cover them.   It improved slightly, slightly as he went on touching the hands of the assembled fembots swaying and clapping at the foot of the stage.

When it was over he talked about beginning a UK tour Thursday, and heading out with Disney princess Demi Lovato this summer. Coming to a bubblegum machine near you.

One more break and we were back to find Anoop, disemboweled, eyeless, his scalp still smoking - yet smiling, Allison (her hair matching his blood red shirt), and Ryan at center stage.

After this season’s record breaking vote of over 45 million

...(have to make sure the loser knows how many people thought they sucked harder than a Dyson) the second person going home tonight is ... wait for it ... wait for it

... Anoop Desai!

Anoop was unfazed. He looked like someone had just asked Would you like the chicken or the fish?

Allison retreated to the Safety Sofas and Anoop reprised Dim All The Lights. They then rolled the journey tapes for both Lil and Anoop and both held their heads high. Really. They were a class act, thanking the vocal coaches, the band, the judges, Anoop even thanked the person who wielded the salad fork.

I think they will both do well. Anoop definitely has a following, but at this stage someone has to go. And Lil? If she wants them, I’m sure the many opportunities await. She is talented, beautiful, personable. I don’t think her family will have to live in a hotel room anymore.

So what do you think? Did we get it right in this double whammy? Looking at who is left, I’d say we did. Only five remain – and as a betting woman, I’m putting my money on a final three showdown between Adam, Kris, and Allison.

Yes, Kris. I think if talent wins out over backstory and a revolving account at Lenscrafters, Kris just may edge Danny out (and I like Danny).

Final thought on disco – a little trivia for you: Did you know that Copacabana is listed on the Top 100 Disco Songs of all time? Me either. Sing it, Barry! Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl...

Comments

[Holly]

hahaha. I love the way you recap Randy's words of wisdom. Makes me laugh every time. And I'm with you Linda on David A. I kinda flinched once or twice when he started singing. Yikes.

[Karen in Sarasota]

Love love loved the group dance (can't really call it a song) but it was so much fun to see them actually having fun! Paula was great with them. She may be a ditz but I think she's a sincere ditz and maybe if they put her in charge of the group melee, it could actually ascend to something worth watching. It would certainly teach the kids how to get comfortable and work the stage.

And I have Adam, Allison and Kris pegged for the top three as well. I like Danny. But he's so ... boring.

[Katy]

I thought KC looked a LOT like Tony Soprano, and apparently the person who writes the recap for Fox thought so too. I think Adam looks like Eddie Munster all grown up.
Regarding Lil's departure - "O frabjous day! callooh! callay!!" (sorry, just not a big fan).
I agree Linda with your top three choices and would LOVE for Kris to take it all. I agree with someone who blogged yesterday, Adam screetches too much for my taste.

[audreyftobob]

The love child of Rush Limbaugh and Joe Pesci? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! too funny! I also felt a little sorry for Freda. She has to be at least 70 and I am sure she has BEEN retired for some time. She dragged that song (which I LOVE) out of the mothballs and dusted it off--too bad she forgot to dust off those vocal chords. Thelma Houston CAN still sing, but I couldn't stop looking at that entire train-wreck of a dress and snake-wig hair! I am with you on the top three, but at this point, it doesn't really matter because they ALL will have some sort of album in the works inside of a year! As much as I love the boys, I really love Allison's voice. I think she should sing "To Sir With Love" to show a softer side.

[Ron]

did you know next week's theme is rat pack songs??? what are they all going to sing Frank Sinatra?

[Irish M]

Disco Train of Terror! Priceless. I wondered why my friend commented on Facebook that he went blind after seeing KC, now I know. I did end up fast forwarding through each performance after waiting about 30 seconds to see how they sounded. Some bands should stop singing, you are correct. For a second I was worried that Thelma would flash someone from below, her dress was too short in the front. I really hoped she wasn't "commando". After you clear that image from your head, looking for Kris to win it all. I also think it would be better if they did brat pack instead of rat pack. You know, songs from any movie that has a brat pack member in it. Wouldn't that be better? Think of all the possibilities.

[Stacey]

I was hoping that Freda and Thelma wouldn't topple over in their heels....(LOL).
Great recap, as always, Linda!!

[Chrissy]

If they're going to have them lipsynch during the group number every week, they might as well have Paula choreograph the dance. I think this was the first time I actually enjoyed one of them.
I agree with the Kris love - I hope he keeps surprising us with his arrangements. What he's been doing is as original and unexpected as Adam, just more low key.
I am not looking forward to next week's offering of bad Frank Sinatra imitations but who else are they going to do? Sammy Davis Jr? Dean Martin?

[Medic42Long]

Linda & Holly: I'm with you on David A's voice. Hubby and I did a WTF happened to his voice? Not that we voted for him last year - sorry, I'm a huge Cookie fan. I told hubby that if he had sounded like that during auditions he'd have never made it.

Speaking of Cookie for a moment, I just can't get into this years AI after last year. Cookie really spoiled all future AI's for me.

I felt sorry for Freda and KC. Both shoulda stayed retired.

I really liked the group dance. I do believe the group was actually having some fun.

Linda, great recap as always. Worth the wait.

[Katy]

Rat pack? Who's going to mentor them, aren't they all DEAD????

[Paul to Linda]

"Poor KC, he looked like the lovechild of Rush Limbaugh and Joe Pesci."
That line cost me a Schlotzsky's sandwich, Linda. I read that and lettuce and olives went everywhere! Ever tried to laugh through ham on sourdough toast? I thought someone was going to have to do the Heineken Remover on me...

[Ron]

As long as they dont bring them back via hologram like when Celine sang with Elvis that time...just creepy!

[Linda S to Paul]

The Heineken Remover - laughing...out loud...cats looking at me funny...dog tilting her head...

[ChickyChick (Kathy)]

I read the recrap, safely keeping my beverages out of reach, then started sipping my lemonade while reading Irish's post - SPEW - Gak - Commando? ewwwwwwwwww Between Thelma's hair trying to get away from her body, her love pillows trying to breathe and her junk almost falling out from under that dress, I couldn't stop laughing - it was totally worth sitting through this entire boring season just to see that.

I saw the Vegan sign and thought of Natala too!

I am very disappointed that the Mole is still with us and that he beat out Allison in the vote - hard to believe, but then VFTW is still in play, is it not?

I'm with Chrissy, I actually enjoyed the group performance for once. Linda, I think you missed it, but they were wearing Madonna-like headsets with mics for the performance...I didn't spot it til the very end, because they were partially clear (altho they were likely synching the song).

Great recrap Linda, and Irish, thanks for the stain.

[dawnb]

OMG, Linda -- you're going to get me in trouble! I can usually get through your recap and keep it together . . . I just read until I have to laugh then go back to work until the laugh has passed. But today, even when I clicked back to a 'work screen' I was still chuckling to myself! Like others, I have learned to 'put down the beverage' while reading, to avoid spewing on the keyboard.

Poor Anoop -- they should really give him the stool to keep since he sat in it nearly every week. I liked him and really thought he should have stayed instead of Matt, whom I never did like.

"Rat Pack"??? As if Disco wasn't foreign enough to these kids??? This should be good.

[Anne in Oregon]

I wished that Anoop could have stayed on one more week, but as you said Linda, somebody's gotta go.....

As far as next week goes, I love the music of the Rat Pack. I'm sure that some are really going to rise to the occasion and sing some really cool songs. That being said, I don't quite see how Allison is going to pull this off, (and I like her). Kris, Adam and even Matt should be able to pull this off singing songs like, Everybody loves Somebody, Mr. Bo Jangles, My Kind of Town, etc.

Being a betting woman myself, what do you want to bet that Danny sings something like, That's Life or even better, That's Amore?

How about Volare? Now there was a song that I bet won't be used. How many remember the car? Not a Ford product it was a Plymouth. My parents owned one circa 1978.......maroon, 4 door sedan. We had arrived.

[Jacquelynn]

OK. Sitting here shocked that the "great one" used my name in the re-crap. Had to check the name-plate on my desk -- yep. That's how you spell it. So -- this 40-something mom watched the group song/dance last night and I actually SHRIEKED in delight at Adam tearing up the stage while giving the camera smoldering looks. My "I'm too cool to be" seven year old daughter just stared at me. The group song ended and I rewound it, to watch it again. Sure enough, at the same point I involuntarily shrieked again. What the heck is wrong with me? Adam fever? I looked at the TV and said, "The girls really seem to like Adam." And my seven year old says, "The boys too." That about summed it up.

[Linda L]

"Sorry girls, but I think if he did do a little dance, and made a little love, he’d have a stroke tonight." Too funny Linda! OMG...I threw up a little in my mouth when KC was hopping around the stage! Did he honestly think that the shirt he was wearing hid that barrel that was strapped to his middle? YUK.

[Kathy in FL]

I'm also giggling over the KC comment...hee hee! I felt bad for Lil, the way they shooed her off the stage. No Silver Stool for her, at least? I'm also impressed by Kris: he's quiet and talented, and I'm happy he's made it to the top 5 without any face time before the semi-finals. Great recap!!

[Tom L]

Very snarky today. Absolutely loved it. I hope you're right about the final three.

I don't think that "Rat Pack" night will be any different than "Disco" night. Everyone will just do what they want. That said, this would be a good time for Allison to show her softer side.

[Bobbsey]

I knew Anoop wasn't going to win the title, but I've been a fan of his from the get-go. Sorry to see him go, but I thought he would finish at around this point. Too bad as he would have been great with the rat pack songs. And I'll miss seeing his adorable parents.

I think that it is a Adam, Kris, Allison finish, and I'm secretly hoping for a Kris upset because let's face it, where are the surprises of the show in this dull dull season???

[Fran]

Yeah, poor KC. I just kind of sat there with my mouth open, thinking -- man, I am so old....or he is so old. Something's just not right here. Wow. Whatever Danny sings next week, it'll sound just like last week, and the week before that, and the week before that..... But this week's recap? Whew! That was just too funny!

[Michelle from Virginia]

"I don’t know about you, but I sat on my couch with waves of empathetic embarrassment washing over me."--> Me, too. I was afraid the first lady was gonna pass out, the second one was going to flash me, and KC might have an MI!

I think I muted it when David A. came on. I never did like him. He's weird.

I am also hoping Adam, Kris, and Allison for the top 3.

[JEN. class of 86.]

just a few comments:

I've gotta ask, Linda, who are your girls voting for this year? Or are they?

What do teenage girls think of Allison?? She is such a powerful singer, but I can't imagine who's voting for her. She's old sounding and edgy. What's the take on her?

adam's dancing was so fun to watch. I agree with jacquelynn above. I LIKED watching him! He's smooth and talented. I actually wanted norman gentle over him at first -- but that would have been really bad.

We saw KC and a sunshine band at a free concert in a park a few years ago. He was actually really relaxed and enjoyable then! But last night was pretty abominable. Like a red snowmonster!

Been reading this blog for YEARS. I dont comment often, but thanks & keep it up! Too funny!

[Irish M]

Sorry ChickyChick! But that WAS my first thought when she came on stage. If I had a kid watching I would have covered their eyes waiting for something to happen.

[Theresa from Virginia]

Lil got shoved off that stage like yesterday's old newspaper - seemed like they couldn't get her out of there fast enough. I was ready for her to go, but DANG!

KC was from back in my day - surely I don't look that old - scary!!!

Hoping for Kris and Adam in the finals, and may the best man win!

[Jacquelynn]

David A. is creepy like he has some intense dark secrets that should never be let out. I am confused as to how he made it to the finals last season. I didn't watch the show last year, except when my neighbor dragged me into her house to see a Tivo of David Cook singing Billie Jean. Anyway, back to disco -- the singer in yellow with the exploding hairstyle -- she sounded pretty good but good Lord, that dress was short TMI TMI TMI LALALALALA. FYI KC was dead last night. They just propped him up with sticks and wheeled him around. I kept having flashbacks between KC and his dancers and Flo Rida and his dancers. It was all just so itch-scratchy uncomfortable. Best finale would be Adam and Alison. They have to keep her around or it would turn into one big wiener-fest. Worst finale would be Danny and Alison. They sound the same to me. OMG even worse would be them doing a duet. I wouldn't be able to tell who was singing what.

[Maggie]

Well, if they make another movie where they need Medusa, just call Thelma! I was truly embarrassed for K.C. He wasn't that good when he was popular and he was just pitiful last night. Don't you know he was just happy to have the chance to "perform?" on something as popular as A.I.? He looked a little shell-shocked, and he has NOT aged gracefully (or thinly). He probably had to have oxygen after his song, poor guy.

I was surprised it was Anoop, and not Matt, to leave with Lil, but it will be Matt next week unless he pulls off a miracle...then probably Danny. I never thought I'd say that since he was my favorite at the beginning. Kris is now my favorite by miles, but I think Adam has it in the bag.

I'm with you audreyftobob--that would be a perfect song for Allison to sing!

[Vickie in IN]

Archie finally hit puberty...hence the voice change!

[Joanne]

I wasn't happy to see Anoop go. I really would've preferred Matt or Danny. But it wasn't unexpected. They really did dump Lil fast last night. And yes props to Anoop and Lil for the class they showed going. Next week will be either Danny or Matt and Matt has the edge on that. I don't care for Danny at all. I do see Kris/Allison/Adam as the top 3 here also. Kris has been the biggest surprise this season. He and Allison were supposed to be cannon fodder and look where they are!

It will be interesting to see what they do during Rat Pack night.

And this recap was awesomely wicked. I just didn't even bother trying to drink anything. I really don't need to replace the keyboard here. Thanks Linda for doing these.

[ChickyChick (Kathy)]

Jacquelynn, you have me giggling hysterically with thoughts of KC propped up with sticks and being wheeled around aka Weekend at Bernies.

[Kerry]

Once again, watched very little due to Lost on a competing station. Will have to go find the group shlong (schelp and song of course!) on You Tube since it's getting high marks.

I know Paula was (is?) an accomplished choreographer and dancer in her day. However, watching her chair dance every week would convince you she's the whitest white-girl to ever walk the plant, with no rythem whatsoever. Perhaps it's a testament to how whack her back really is - she doesn't move real well any more?

Did see KC drag his tired old self all over the stage, and I did enjoy it. His songs just have such great memories for me - child of the late 70's/early 80's.

And re: Copacabana. The first year I was in band in High School, our halftime show consisted of both Copacabana AND Disco Inferno. Burn baby burn....

[Toni in Dallas]

Linda, your recaps are the best thing about this season. If it wasn't for waiting to read the blog I might drown in my soup from boredom.

[natala]

so I know the person holding that sign :)
she's an awesome vegan cook book author - Vegan with a Vengeance. :)

[Linda S to Toni]

Thank you - I try, I really do. Sometimes it's hard to spin gold out of the BS. :O)

[Gayle in Iowa]

It is just me, or once upon a time wasnt KC good looking? Or am I confusing him with someone else from that era? Cause when he walked on stage, I actually commented aloud that he hadnt aged well!

Since next week is Rat Pack week, will the singers be allowed to sing with a cigarette in one hand and a cocktail in the other??

[lizzieb]

That's exactly what I was thinking, little david archuleta is maturing and he can't quite control his voice. OMG - Freida Payne was indeed painful. I honestly thought she was going to have a heart attack, more so than KC. Then Thelma came out and it was embarassing to be sitting there with my daughter thinking oh lord, she's going to flash us all. What was up with that dress, let alone the hair. I thought it was silly the way she changed all the words and kind of sang to Simon. kind of creepy. But yeah, KC was a little chunky, and it was all kind of smarmy in a funny way. I was wondering who they'd drag out from the coffin next.

As to the final group. I really like Allison, she seems to have a genuine nice personality and when Ryan said Anoop's name, I thought she was going to pass out. She was clearly shaken. I'm blown away by the fact that she's only 16 and has made it this far. I think I'll actually start voting and it's going to be her, seems like she deserves it. If she plays her cards right, i.e. picks a really good song, she could nail it next week. She ought to pick something that Peggy Lee sang. I know Peggy Lee wasn't a rat packer, but it's clearly the same genre, or better yet, she ought to do something that Shirley MacLaine sang. you know she did hang with the rat packers, and she is still alive. She ought to coach. that would be so cool.

I like Kris too. He's a cutie, I hope the final two are allison and kris.

As for the group song. Way to go Paula. That was the first time I really enjoyed the group thing. She really is a good choreographer. I'd like to see more of her work too.

[Susan in PA]

Note to KC: an untucked shirt does conceal unwanted pounds, but only if the shirt is not hugging the flab rolls.

I love the music of the Rat Pack era. Unfortunately, these kids aren't old enough to remember the Brat Pack, let alone the Rat Pack. Adam will absolutely kill with a Sinatra or Dean Martin tune.

[Linda S to Susan]

Adam - Ain't That A Kick In The Head

[Kerry to Susan]

So true! Not old enough to remember even Brat Pack. Their world is closer to the Bratz Pack.

[Jackie in GA]

Linda, I swear, there are times I want to reach thru the monitor and strangle you. I've been humming THE HUSTLE all afternoon, and it's all your fault.

I LOVE DISCO!!!! Takes me back to my wild and crazy younger days.

[Mom of 6]

I think Lil didn't do herself any favors by making herself unrecognizable from her audition days. Did her handlers tell her she looked too much like Fantasia with her short hair or something? She lost all of her personality sparkle for me when she reached for that first wig.

The hubby and I were at a hotel in Bermuda where KC and his band were staying and playing back in '05 (when I was a mere Mom of 4) and I ended up on an elevator with them and a shuttle down to the beach. Sadly, I couldn't think of any of their music or place their faces, so I just minded my own business. KC didn't look nearly as pudgy as he did last night, but they did all look a little hardened (expected, due to the lifestyle). None of his band members really talked to each other or even looked out the windows, like they were a little bored with all the travel. We were, after all, one one of the most beautiful islands on the planet.

Last thing -- I was so distracted by the blond sitting in the background behind Paula and Simon on Tuesday's show that we didn't even focus on what the judges were saying. We watched her over and over primping and preening for the camera -- was she for real? Is anyone really that obvious? We had to watch her little screech when Simon finished up his critique of Anoop over and over again, she was so strange. Was she maybe Reese Witherspoon in a hair-extensioned disguise?

[Another Lori in TX]

I agreed with Lil and Anoop as the ones to leave, although they couldn't get Lil out of there fast enough, could they? I thought it was cute when Simon said he'd miss her family screaming behind him, and then he raised his cup to them. There he goes, showing his nice side again!

I think that the reason they were able to be so calm while being kicked off is that they know that other contestants have gone on to good careers in music without being the winner. It's just not as important to be the actual winner as it seemed at the beginning. (although it would sure be nice)

Adam, Allison, Kris - final 3.

[Laurie]

I grew older through the disco era. After seeing three memories in the flesh, I think I'll just sit down and cry.

If slow and steady can win a race, it just might be Kris. Should be interesting.

[Marnie Brodersen]

Hey Linda, it's been a long time! Came by to see what's up and, of course, stayed for a laugh. I snorted when reading your comment about Rush/Joe Pesci...so true! That was uncomfortably bad!

My hubby and I moved to San Diego so, after three years, I'm no longer the Copywriter at americanidol.com. I'm panicking a bit about finding a job but, I must admit, I'm also enjoying my time off here in SD! Hope all is well!

[Jane]

I agree that Lil seemed one of the obvious choices to go home last night, but I was hoping that Matt would be going too. I really like Anoop and think he was more consistent than Matt is.

Also, with Rat Pack songs featured next week, I'm hoping somebody (preferable Adam) will singing Mack the Knife. Just love that song!

Hoping either Adam or Kris win this year. Got my wish last year with David Cook. He's awesome :)

[Nikki]

I musta glazed over before they announced it was Rat Pack week. A LOT of wonderful songs and not only Sinatra. Dean Martin had quite a few hits. The trouble is that most of the songs from that time had really good melodies and lyrics and they don't benefit from being tarted up or riffed upon or made "your own."

Lord, Harry Casey got old and botoxed. The poor dear. I thought Freda Payne looked rather well but Thelma was a wreck. It's like they rolled these people out of their senior citizen retirement homes and off to the costume shop. But if they wanted the kids to sing disco, they ought to have song disco. It was a fun era with fun songs and the whole thing could have been campy entertainment. But no. Everybody thinks they have to reinvent the wheel. Me? I woulda done "D'ya Think I'm Sexy?" as campy and as whacky as Rod himself woulda done it. Because in my old age I get the joke.

And that's the problem with this show. It takes itself so seriously now that it isn't as much fun as it used to be. They're looking for a pop star not a cure for cancer. Lighten up, Simon and Co. Thank heavens for Linda and her recaps. Or the whole business would be as fun as root canal. In fact, I think I mainly watch now so I can see what Linda will have to say about it.

[Madhuka]

Kris is awesome in an understated way. I'm rooting for a Kris/Adam/Allison final as well. I really liked Danny in the beginning but he's just been doing the same thing week in-week out i'm way over him now. Though he wouldn't have won, I really think Anoop should have made it further on Idol and he would have too, if they hadn't gone and saved Matt's mole last week. Vocally Anoops's so much better than Matt with his inconsistent growls and grating falsettos. grrr.

[Bob]

Seems to me Adam is such a shoo-in to win that the judges will have to inject some drama just to keep it interesting. I'd look for Simon to turn critical of Adam in an upcoming show, so it at least appears that one of the others could catch him.

I think Adam would also understand this and it wouldn't bother him a bit. The guy is a showman. He's in.

[Libbie]

Hey Linda! Thanks for the terrific recap. I think America got it right with the ouster of Lil and Anoop. Rat Pack songs will be great but as another poster said, they'll just do what they want with the songs anyway so why even call it a "theme". Anyway, how about Danny singing Dino's "Memories Are Made of This" with another glance heavenward. I just don't care for that guy.