Image Credit: Michael Becker/PictureGroupSo we’re approaching the finish line of Lost American Idol, and it’s time to speculate, theorize, and create projections for the approaching finale. From my seat in the Idoldome, one thing was clear: Women adore Lee DeWyze. Whenever Lee sang or walked by, the middle-aged women in my row melted — Amelie style — into a puddle of schoolgirlish infatuation. I heard words such as “awesome” and “incredible” being tossed around the audience at a frequency rivaling a Steve Jobs keynote speech, and a pack of girls in the pit once again got their voices on national television by shouting, “We love you, Lee!” Last week’s results show was when I first noticed the Idoldome’s escalating adoration for the (in case Idol hadn’t reminded you enough) former paint salesman, and last night felt like an official coronation. (I say this from the point-of-view of someone who’s firmly in the Crystal camp). Again, it’s impossible to know whether the Idoldome’s preferences reflect those of the voting public, but if I could only base my finale prediction on what I witnessed last night, I’d say this race is all sewn up. READ FULL STORY »

Tween girls of the Idoldome, could you please explain your rationale behind shrieking? I understand that you’re quite excited about seeing Lee DeWyze in the flesh, and that by shrieking, you increase the odds of Lee spotting you, falling desperately in love, and marrying you that night by about 0.000003 percent. (Well, technically zero percent since you’re underage, but for you, Lee could wait forever). But, still, y’all could have given me and my ears a heads up beforehand. Anyhow, judging by the aural measurements I conducted at last night’s results show, I’m starting to wonder if the tide has turned in favor of Lee. I’ve been of the opinion that Crystal’s had this thing in the bag since “Me and Bobby McGee,” but now I’m not so sure. The in-studio enthusiasm for Lee has increased each time I’ve stepped into the Idoldome, and last night, it was approaching Burj Khalifa levels. Does the Idoldome audience accurately reflect the show’s voters? Who knows, but I think it could be pretty similar. If anything, those calling in to vote may actually be younger, and I’m not sure that works in Crystal’s favor. But enough speculation… we have a results show to discuss! READ FULL STORY »

Image Credit: Frank Micelotta/PictureGroupLast night was only my fifth visit to the Idoldome, and already a wave of Groundhog Day déjà vu has taken hold of me. Is Corey the Warm-Up Comic really asking two young women to show off their best Beyoncé moves yet again? Is the Casey-Kara-cougar relationship really still a topic of conversation this late in the game? And is Lee really going to perform Seal’s “Kiss from a Rose” only three weeks after Big Mike sang Chad Kroeger’s rip-off “Hero”? (Listen to the two superhero songs and convince me they aren’t identical twins separated at birth). But despite feeling like my time in the Idoldome was some sort of glitch in the Matrix, it’s impossible not to feed off the excitement of all the audience members around you. As Corey reminds us each week, this is the No. 1 show on TV, so lighten up, John, and bask in Idol‘s soothing, repetitive warmth. READ FULL STORY »