SUSAN PIERCE: Tonight’s episode of “American Idol” will show America that nobody can throw a homecoming parade like Chattanooga. I’ve watched YouTube videos of the other two finalists’ parades and concerts, and they certainly didn’t have as scenic a locale as hometown star Lauren Alaina Suddeth.

Rossville’s Lauren Alaina Suddeth appeared to get the fright of her life Thursday night when “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest pulled one of his weekly feints in telling her that ... unfortunately ... she would have to put up with the judges for another week.

SUSAN PIERCE: More than 100,000 aspiring singers auditioned for Season 9 of "American Idol," and tonight we're down to two: Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox.

After 14 weeks of build-up, “American Idol’s” showdown is set. It’s Adam Lambert vs. Kris Allen.

SUSAN PIERCE: Watching Adam Lambert’s duet with Allison Iraheta Tuesday night, I really hoped that might be a preview of what was to come in the finals. But that wasn’t to be as Alison got the boot.

CLINT COOPER: And then there were four. Matt Giraud’s exit last week left the competition a pretty terrific quartet. But he was no slouch, either.

ANNE BRALY: Well, it came as no surprise to me that Lil Rounds was voted off last week. I was hoping she would be the next to go. She seems like a great person, but her singing just couldn’t stand up to the others.

Last week was a first, with the judges allowing the bottom vote getter — Matt Giraud — back into the “American Idol” fold.

Scott MacIntyre, who was eliminated from “American Idol” in last week’s show, should have a future in the business with his singing or playing ability.

There were a couple of surprises last week, as well as a couple of disappointments.