CLINT COOPER: And then there were three. With last week's departing of smooth, consistent, but perhaps not flashy or flamboyant Michael Lynche in what may have been one of the worst shows ever with only four contestants, "American Idol" is left with the threesome of Crystal Bowersox, Lee Dewyze and Casey James.
The watching public will have to decide among the show's best singer all year (Crystal), the guy with the show's arguably best radio voice (Lee) and the guy who seemed to be a shoo-in for the top two at the start of the season, but now isn't (Casey).
Crystal probably deserves to win based on how effortlessly she sings every song and every genre of music, but there have been songs Lee sang over the past month that I would swear would be big hits. Casey seemed to peak too early and hasn't done anything in recent weeks to commend his place in the top two. Personally, I wish he'd gone country, because he's got the look, the guitar and the voice to make that work, and no one else was heading that direction.
SUSAN PIERCE: I hate to sound so negative about one of my favorite shows, but last week was THE WORST episode of "Idol" in the eight years I've watched. A total waste of prime time.
With all the fabulous movie themes from which to choose, the final four made some pretty quirky choices. I thought Casey's choice of the theme from "The Graduate" was actually pretty funny due to the way judge Kara DioGuardi has fawned over his pretty-boy looks all season. Randy Jackson was quick to point out that same irony in the song choice.
For the second consecutive week, I thought Casey should go after lackluster performances. Again, his looks pulled him through.
If his looks push him into the final two, and either Lee or Crystal goes home, that will be a travesty.
KAREN NAZOR HILL: I think Casey is fed up with the flirty comments from the judges, particularly from Kara. I'm pretty sick of it, too. Yes, he's good-looking, but he's probably embarrassed about it by now. If he doesn't win, and I don't think he will, he'll probably blame it on his looks. If he wins, he'll probably think it's because of his looks. Everyone's talking more about how cute he is rather than his talents, and, frankly, he is talented.
I'm with Clint on this one. Had Casey taken the country route, he might be the guy to beat. As it stands, Crystal is the one to beat. She's consistent, incredibly talented, but I'm not sure she would make the best American Idol.
At this point, and I will probably change my mind, I think Lee has the right components of being this year's winner. He's got the looks, the charisma, the voice and the personality of someone who could pull it off.
As for Big Mike, didn't he leave graciously? I was proud of the guy. He thanked the judges for giving him a second chance, personally hugging each one. It was a very tender moment when at the very end of the show he held his baby and looked at her lovingly as though he was saying, "Baby, Daddy's coming home." Kudos to Big Mike. I hope he has a successful singing career.