Anoop, you seem like a nice guy, but it was time. It was getting painful watching you every week in the bottom three.

Lil, we once thought of you as a con-ten-duh, but you faded in the finals. It was your time, too.

So with Wednesday night’s exiting of Anoop Desai and Lil Rounds, we have reached the final five in this year’s Idol competition: Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey, Allison Iraheta, Kris Allen and Matt Giraud.

Here’s some information to chew on when contemplating those five:

• The elimination of Lil means for the first time in Idol’s eight-year history there is no African-Amerian female in the final five.

• This year’s 4-1 male-to-female ratio is the most lopsided ever for the guys and matches the 4-1 advantage the girls had 2004 when Fantasia won the title.

• It’s surprising how balanced the competition has been over the years from a gender perspective. Of the 40 finalists to reach the final five since the show’s inception, the guys own a 21-19 edge.

• Not only is this the first year there is no African-American female among the final five, there is also no African-American male. At least one African-American had reached the final five in each of the seven previous years, and three times in that period, three of the final five were African-American. Of the 40 singers to advance to the final five since 2002, 25 have been white, 13 African-American and two were of other ethnicities.

HEADING INTO NEXT WEEK

No word yet on what the theme will be, but we might be getting two songs apiece from each of the remaining Idols. It should be about that time, but with the way the show has kept switching up the rules this year who knows what will happen. Idol has become a mirror of NASCAR — if you don’t like the rules, just wait a week, they might change.

Some thoughts on each of the final five:

Adam Lambert: My gut feeling is Adam has another hiccup left in him. He’s only human. Never before in Idol history has anyone gone eight straight weeks without having an “off” performance, and that’s what Adam would have to do to ride out the remainder of the competition. When and where that might happen will probably hold the key for him. He bounced back from that dreadful “Ring of Fire” in Week 2 of the finals with the acclaimed “Tracks of My Tears.” The worst possible time for him to stumble would be in the finals, which he is a virtual lock to reach.

Danny Gokey: For the first time in the competition, Danny is universally regarded as the underdog and that might work to his advantage. There is nothing he can do to stop the Adam Lambert steamroller, so he needs to concentrate on simply being himself, and that will get him to the finals where anything can happen. A Danny-Adam title round would be the best since Ruben and Clay in 2003.

Allison Iraheta: I’m predicting she comes out next week with both barrels blazing. She found herself in the bottom three again this week (which was a travesty, I might add), and that will likely serve as a big-time wake-up call. But it also shows what one bad week can do at this point of the competition, and there is no sugar coating Allison’s “Hot Stuff” performance as anything but rather lame, despite all of the talent she posseses.

Kris Allen: I wish we knew how many votes Kris was getting each week, because in my mind he is a real wild card at this point. I’ve never understood why Idol guards the vote totals with such secrecy, especially this late in the competition. While I still think Allison has the best long-range potential of any of the final five, I doubt if she can survive more than another week. Kris, however, is difficult to figure. He’s baffled me from the beginning, but it’s obvious he has a good vibe and people love him. Kris could actually pose a stronger threat to Adam in the finals than Danny. Kris seems to be gaining momentum while Danny has flatlined, at least a little.

Matt Giraud: He’s gone next week, so I’ll save my breath and your time.

PAULA CONTROVERSY BEGINS TO SWIRL

This from ABC News: “I’ve never been addicted to any prescription drugs. I’ve never been drunk. I’ve worked my whole life,” Paula Abdul told Nightline in an interview to air Thursday. Despite undergoing 15 surgeries since a neck injury in 1992, Abdul said she has never taken addictive painkillers.

“I will not take those drugs,” Abdul said. “And you can check my medical records. There is nothing like that. I was never on Oxycontin or Vicodin or anything like that. I was on nerve medicine and anti-inflammatories.”

Last week ABC News followed up on Abdul’s offer to “check her medical records,” asking for her permission to speak to one of her doctors. She declined.

MORE PAULA

There are also now reports circulating Paula’s contract is up this year, and she still has not negotiated a new one. Paula reportedly said in the same Nightline interview, “It’s not about replacing anybody. It’s about possibly moving on.”

This sounds more like a ploy for more benjamins. Let’s be honest. Outside of the idol universe, there is little demand for Paula these days.

THE WEEKLY BEST

The top individual weekly performances since the finals began:

Week 7: Adam Lambert, If I Can’t Have You
Week 6: Allison Iraheta, I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing
Week 5: Adam Lambert, Mad World
Week 4: Kris Allen, Ain’t No Sunshine
Week 3: Adam Lambert, Tracks Of My Tears
Week 2: Anoop Desai, You Were Always On My Mind
* Week 1: Adam Lambert, Black and White

* BEST OVERALL

THE WEEKLY WORST

The worst individual weekly performances since the finals began:

Week 7, Matt Giraud, Stayin’ Alive
Week 6: Kris Allen, Falling Slowly
Week 5: Anoop Desai, True Colors
Week 4: Megan Joy Corkrey, Turn Your Lights Down Low
Week 3: Megan Joy Corkrey, For Once In My Life
* Week 2: Adam Lambert, Ring Of Fire
Week 1: Anoop Desai, Beat It

* WORST OVERALL

WEEKLY GUESTS

It was great to see Freda Payne, 66, Thelma Houston, 65, and Harry (K.C. and the Sunshine Band) Casey, 58, from the 1970s. Both Freda’s “Band of Gold” and Thelma’s “Don’t Leave Me this Way” are among my all-time favorites, and while Wednesday night’s renditions were hardly classics, it was great to step back into time for a few minutes.

David Archuleta performed “Touch My Hand” and I have to admit, I actually liked it. That’s more than I can say about his first mainstream release, “Crush,” which was simply annoying. He still seems like the nicest kid in the world, the same as he did on Idol last year. I think he has shrunk, though. He can’t be more than 5 feet tall.

IDOL THOUGHTS

More than 45 million votes this week. You can tell we’re getting down to the nitty gritty.

I kind of enjoyed the dreaded group number. It was mildly interesting to see Paula working with the Idols to prep them for their disco number.

I thought Lil and Anoop sounded much better in their swan songs than they did the night before, but it was still time for them to leave.

Barring a major, major upset, one of the guys is going to be crowned champ. If/when that happens, it will be the first time there has been back-to-back male champs.

Adam Lambert has been good this season, but he had his MOMENT Tuesday night.

After the show, I knew I would sleep very well Tuesday night. All was right with the Idol world again.

All four judges offered comments on each singer and the show ended on time, or close to it. And most important, Simon critiqued them all, not just some. The debacle that was the April 14 show is now nothing more than a bad memory.

Oh, and the show itself was pretty sweet, too. Disco Night is always interesting, one way or the other. And for the most part, this was a solid night for the exception of a couple of bombs.

The night, however, belonged to Adam Lambert and his rendition of “If I Can’t Have You” by Yvonne Elliman. Adam has the ability to creep you out at all kinds of new levels, and he also possesses the talent and warmth to take an entire audience’s breath away.

Tuesday night was the latter.

Adam had his MOMENT with an almost bluesy rendition of what most know only as a disco classic. Give Adam — who thankfully opted against the black fingernail polish this week — his due. The guy was great. Only Danny Gokey was a close second to his performance. The rest of the pack was well back.

BREAKING IT DOWN

Before the in-depth look at each singer, here’s the Cliff’s Notes version:

Finals taking shape: Can you say Adam vs. Danny? Allison Iraheta lost serious ground this week. Danny’s berth in the finals has been a given since January, and Adam locked his up with his MOMENT.

The only real challenger: Allison remains the lone contestant outside of Adam or Danny who could win this thing. The best race remaining — outside of championship night — is who will finish third, Allison or maybe Kris Allen. And that’s a longshot maybe.

The others: We lose two from the trio of Anoop Desai, Lil Rounds and Matt Giraud on Wednesday’s results show. Let’s be real. If we could get rid of all three at this point, it would simply speed up the inevitable.

SEASON RANKINGS
Last week’s rankings in parentheses

1. (3.) Adam Lambert
Song: “If I Can’t Have You,” by Yvonne Elliman.
My comment: This was one of my favorites from the ’70s, and I had no idea what Adam would do with it, and what he did was magnificent. He could have avoided his weekly Neanderthal yell in the middle, but I’m not going to be picky. Otherwise, the performance was perfect.
Simon: “You did something which we weren’t expecting.”
Paula: “I felt your pain, your vulnerability.”
Kara: “Every week you up it for me.”
Randy: “You are ready right now, dude. He is a hot one tonight, America!”

Allison can sing, but what was up with that Flash Gordon outfit?

2. (2.) Danny Gokey
Song: “September,” by Earth, Wind & Fire.
My comment: Danny’s back in gear, a more even performance, strong from start to finish. He showcased his vocal abilities much better with this kind of song choice. That was also a great scream to open the number.
Paula: “You have one of the sexiest voices ever.”
Simon: “I didn’t get any kind of star power from the performance.”
Kara: “Your pitch is so right on. Always. Another solid performance.”
Randy: “You turned this into something that really worked for you.”

3. (1.) Allison Iraheta
Song: “Hot Stuff,” by Donna Summer .
My comment: What was with the Flash Gordon outfit? And the hairdo didn’t work either. My girl let me down with this performance. As tight as this competition has become, I think Big Red could be in trouble since she does not seem to be America’s darling.
Paula: (I have no idea what she said or meant.)
Simon: “That was a brilliant performance.”
Kara: “I didn’t like the arrangement either, but the vocals were a 9 (or) 10.”
Randy: “I didn’t love the arrangement, but I love you.”

4. (5.) Kris Allen
Song: “She Works Hard For The Money,” by Donna Summer.
My comment: I loved the arrangement of this old disco hit, with its Carlos Santana-esque feel. Wow … and that’s a soft wow, but with a mighty exclamation point.  As much as I hated his performance a week ago, I was applauding Kris this time around.”
Paula: “It had a classy Santana feel to it.” (Paula and I agree. Now that’s scary.)
Simon: “It was a fantastic performance.”
Kara: “You took a real risk with that arrangement, and it paid off big time.”
Randy: “You are ready for the big time, dawg. Amazing.”

5. (6.) Lil Rounds
Song: “I’m Every Woman,” by Chaka Khan.
My comment: My favorite Lil Rounds performance of the season. Nice comeback. I’m not sure it will be good enough to keep her on the show, but it was much better than some of her recent efforts. She looked great, too. She certainly … ummm, filled out that black outfit.
Paula: “I don’t think you hit the boiling point.”
Simon: “I think this is going to be the last week we see you.”
Kara: “You’ve been every other woman but yourself this year.”
Randy: “It didn’t really show what kind of vocal control you have.”

Remember this trio from last week's elimination show? Be prepared to say goodbye to two of them.

6. (7.) Anoop Desai
Song: “Dim All The Lights,” by Donna Summer.
My comment: Anoop, displaying some facial hair, had pitch problems, but he was far better than Matt. Probably not enough to be saved, or at least avoid the bottom three stigma again.
Paula: “Real men know where to pink.” (Say good night, Paula … )
Simon: “That was mediocre at best, a horrible version of that song.”
Kara: “The last two weeks (have been) your best performances.”
Randy: “Anoop … nice, baby, nice.”

7. (4.) Matt Giraud
Song: “Stayin’ Alive,” by the Bee Gees.
My comment: First, he had to follow Adam, and that was a major problem. Secondly, the arrangement was a mess. This was, by far, the worst performance of the night. As Chicago White Sox broadcaster Hawk Harrelson likes to say, “He gone.”
Simon: “It came over as a bit desperate. Vocals were not great.”
Paula: “You’re staying.” (Paula is an idiot.)
Kara: “Was it crazy original? No. But it was solid.”
Randy: “Didn’t love the song, didn’t love the arrangement, but you can sing.”

MOST LIKELY TO BE VOTED OFF: Matt and Anoop. But I also have an uneasy feeling about Allison. I hope Lil survives so she can wear that outfit again.

IDOL THOUGHTS

Simon referred to Ryan as a “sausage dog” on The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson on Monday night.

This from a New York Times report: Simon swears his remarks to Britain’s Daily Mirror about leaving Idol were not a negotiating ploy. “It’s not negotiating. I have as good a relationship with the people from Fox as you possibly can have. They’ve become friends. I don’t bull them,” Cowell said. “I don’t want to get bored, and I don’t want the audience to get bored.”

This from mjsbigblog.com: “After reading the article, I’m beginning to think Simon’s not bluffing. What convinced me was this: “X Factor” is sitting in Mr. Cowell’s pocket with unrealized profit potential. He agreed in his most recent “Idol” contract that he would not sell that series in the United States. But if he does leave “Idol,” he said, he would be free to sell “X Factor” here — and appear on it. … I can imagine Simon jumping to bring another one of his successful British shows to America.  He’s already infected us with America’s Got Talent, the God-awful version of Britain’s Got Talent – and it gets great ratings — so why not more?”

Brooke White’s new CD High Hopes and Heartbreak will be available June 2.

This from Entertainment Weekly on Adam Lambert: “Until or unless his competitors start consistently taking big (and successful) risks, the season 8 crown is his to lose.”

JUDGES SCORECARD

Simon: Simon was brutally honest with a couple of contestants after milquetoast Paula mumbled her way through something incoherent. No, Paula, everyone is not wonderful every week with every song. Sometimes they downright suck. Only Simon will tell them. Score: 10.
Kara: She should have been more critical than she was in a couple of instances. I think she’s been sitting beside Paula too long. Score: 5.
Paula: I read comments from Paula this week about how she quit seven times in one day during the first season of Idol because she was so upset with Simon. That’s too bad. Maybe the eighth time would have been the charm. Score: 2.
Randy: Some online poll had Randy the second-highest on the “most worthless sidekick” listing. That’s a bit harsh, but probably pretty accurate. Score: 3.

Finals standings: Simon 54, Randy 44, Kara 39, Paula 25.

Season standings: Simon 188, Kara 147, Randy 124, Paula 118.

Judges championships
Semifinals: Simon
Hollywood Week: Simon
Auditions: Simon

Matt Giraud performs during Tuesday's show; the "save" rule allows him to return for another Tuesday show.

Would they or wouldn’t they?

They did.

“Idol history has been made!” screamed Ryan Seacrest.

Matt Giraud became the first finalist in the eight-year history of the show to be voted off the program but ultimately rescued — or “saved” — by the judges. Of course, this is the first year the save rule has been in effect, so Ryan’s histrionics could have been tempered a bit.

The much-talked about change in the rules that Simon, Paula, Randy and Kara had at their disposal since the finals began had remained only a rumor until Wednesday’s results show. And I’m guessing by Simon’s comments, the Fab Four were not unanimous.

It was a bit cold by Simon to tell Matt he had no chance of winning the contest, but based on this week’s performance, he’s right, of course.

Simon also reminded us that two contestants must now leave next week. If I were Matt, Lil, Anoop and possibly even Kris, I would not be making any long-range plans

THOUGHTS GOING INTO NEXT WEEK

Simon confirmed earlier reports that the remaining finalists will be shakin’ their groove things to ”Disco Week” next Tuesday. Get out that white John Travolta suit, this could be good.

Best bets to succeed in Disco Week: Adam, Lil and possibly Matt. Something tells me Lil might actually be able to rebound with a little help from K.C. and the Sunshine Band. Shake, shake, shake. Shake, shake, shake. Shake your booty.

Best bets to struggle in Disco Week: Anoop, Danny, Kris and possibly Allison. Seriously, can you see any of these four breaking down a little Alicia Bridges on the disco round?

Special note: Paula, if the reports pan out, will choreograph next week’s dreaded group number. (Hmmmm …  maybe she won’t talk so much.)

THE WEEKLY BEST

The top individual weekly performances since the finals began:

Week 6: Allison Iraheta, I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing
Week 5: Adam Lambert, Mad World
Week 4: Kris Allen, Ain’t No Sunshine
Week 3: Adam Lambert, Tracks Of My Tears
Week 2: Anoop Desai, You Were Always On My Mind
* Week 1: Adam Lambert, Black and White

* BEST OVERALL

THE WEEKLY WORST

The worst individual weekly performances since the finals began:

Week 6: Kris Allen, Falling Slowly
Week 5: Anoop Desai, True Colors
Week 4: Megan Joy Corkrey, Turn Your Lights Down Low
Week 3: Megan Joy Corkrey, For Once In My Life
* Week 2: Adam Lambert, Ring Of Fire
Week 1: Anoop Desai, Beat It

* WORST OVERALL

WEEKLY GUESTS

Former Idol finalist and Academy and Grammy award winner Jennifer Hudson, along with teenage phenom Miley Cyrus, entertained.

What a polished performer Hudson has become. Maybe there’s hope for Lil Rounds after all. When Hudson was ousted from Idol in 2004, she was hardly Academy and Grammy award material. What a difference a few years can make.

Each time I see Miley Cyrus perform, I feel like she’s someone who will look back 20 years from now and wonder what happened to her childhood.

Speaking of the Cyrus name, I still listen to my Billy Ray Cyrus CDs. It’s only a personal opinion, but I think Billy Ray sings much better than his daughter. Maybe it’s that generation gap thing.

IDOL THOUGHTS

The “Freeze Frame” Ford video was easily the best of the season.

This season’s results show remains a waste of about 45 minutes, but these episodes are much better than in recent seasons. The quality guest performers have helped. But here’s a thought — axe 30 minutes off the results show and move it to Tuesday’s performances. Maybe then Simon will be allowed to talk more.

Have you noticed how often Ryan has been wearing big-boy clothes this season?

Kara had her best hair of the season.

Do you ever wonder how many pair of glasses Danny owns?

More than 36 million votes this week.

Scott MacIntyre's story was inspirational, but he had reached the end of the road on Idol.

He went as far as he could, maybe farther than he should have.

That’s why Scott MacIntyre’s exit from Idol, while sad in one respect, should be celebrated more than debated.

Scott, who is severely vision impaired, served as an inspiration since he first appeared on the Idol auditions back in January. That he made it as far as the final eight was a combined tribute to his talent and the appreciation of Idol’s 20-something million weekly viewers.

Scott was part of a Wednesday night bottom three that also included Anoop Desai and Lil Rounds. Those two will likely will be the next two to go. Ryan Seacrest reported Anoop was only 30,000 votes ahead of Scott this week.

The final minutes of the results show were filled with emotion, starting with the audience standing as one as Scott sang what turned out be his final song, a reprise of Tuesday’s “The Search Is Over” by Survivor.

There appeared to be honest-to-goodness deliberation between the judges whether or not to use the “save” rule for the first time. Simon Cowell said the four judges were split 2-2 on whether or not to save Scott. In the end, it was … the end for Scott.

If the save rule had been used for Scott I can’t say I would have complained too much. It’s impossible not to admire Scott, which I do wholeheartedly, but he was not an artist in the same league as Danny, Adam, Allison, Matt or Kris. Probably not Lil or Anoop either.

Scott’s exit was sad, but it was the right decision.

THOUGHTS GOING INTO NEXT WEEK

We’re getting close to the point where eliminations will be brutal. Barring a natural disaster, the final five will be Danny, Adam, Allison, Matt and Kris — and who do you eliminate from there? It will strictly be a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately, week-to-week process. No mulligans, no banking on past performances.

Here’s my advice for those who are left:

Danny Gokey: Don’t fix what ain’t broken. America likes you just the way you are (no Billy Joel reference intended). And don’t wear that white jacket again.

Adam Lambert: If you really want to win, lose the black finger nail polish and stay within common-sense paramaters. As contestants get eliminated, their votes have to go somewhere, and if you want to pick up some of those ballots avoid any more of those Ring of Fire type of interpretations. Middle of the road is good here.  There’s a fine line between being creative and being ridiculous. A wise philosopher I work with once said it’s all about risk and reward.

Allison Iraheta: Don’t change anything, except maybe some of your outfits. Your voice, style and presence are amazing. You could win this thing.

Matt Giraud: You need a MOMENT, and I’m not sure you have one in you. I like you, Matt, and I think you have a future, but let’s be honest — Danny, Adam and Allison are better.

Kris Allen: You’re still the dark horse, but you have to avoid any more choices like this week’s arrangement of All She Wants To Do Is Dance. next week is critical. You will either rejoin the contender list or … possibly even go home.

Lil Rounds: Lil, sweetheart, you’re a sinking ship. Tell the husband and kids to leave a light on. You’ll be home soon.

Anoop Desai: If next Tuesday is “Willie Nelson Week,” you have a chance. Otherwise, Anoop, you’re probably next to go.

THE WEEKLY BEST

The top individual weekly performances since the finals began:

Week 5: Adam Lambert, Mad World
Week 4: Kris Allen, Ain’t No Sunshine
Week 3: Adam Lambert, Tracks Of My Tears
Week 2: Anoop Desai, You Were Always On My Mind
Week 1: Adam Lambert, Black and White

THE WEEKLY WORST

The worst individual weekly performances since the finals began:

Week 5: Anoop Desai, True Colors
Week 4: Megan Joy Corkrey, Turn Your Lights Down Low
Week 3: Megan Joy Corkrey, For Once In My Life
Week 2: Adam Lambert, Ring Of Fire
Week 1: Anoop Desai, Beat It

WEEKLY GUESTS

Kellie Pickler returned to Idol, joined rapper by Flo Rida.

Flo Rida was interesting, but I could only understand about one of every 75 words he was saying. I usually need an interpreter when partaking in the rap genre. “Flo” wins the season award, however, for the most skin covered by tattoos. Megan Joy Corkrey will have to settle for being runner-up.

IDOL THOUGHTS

Judge Kara DioGuardi will write this season’s “coronation song” for the Idol finals. The past two seasons saw this effort chosen from wannabe songwriters around the nation.

Loved the old-school video of Frankie Avalon, who then appeared live, singing “Venus.” The old guy can still sing.

David Cook’s appearance on last week’s results show gave his album, David Cook, a huge boost on the Billboard charts, jumping 58 spots to No. 20.

The “Magic Show” theme for the Ford video might have been the best-ever concept for this otherwise worthless weekly advertorial.

Did you notice those elbow-length gloves Paula was wearing? Hmmm…

Danny Gokey's confidence and consistency are carrying him to the end.

At some point in every Idol season, the “separation” occurs.

We have reached that juncture.

I would be surprised if anyone could argue the top three candidates for this season’s title are — in no particular order — Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta. Tuesday night’s performance show underlined that feeling. The “Year You Were Born” theme for selecting songs worked well for most, particularly the top three.

Danny has been a favorite since the first week of auditions in mid-January, and only once has he slipped at all since the finals began. While he has set to deliver a true MOMENT, he is spectacularly steady. He reaffirms his position each week as the next Michael McDonald.

Adam may have more raw talent than any two other Idols combined, but his over-the-topness sometimes works against him. I can never see him as a legitimate Idol, but he will undoubtedly be a star on Broadway. Danny and Allison are the two actually battling for the true “American Idol” acclaim, even if Adam happens to win the competition.

Allison may hold the best chance for long-term success. She’s 13 years younger than Danny and 11 years younger than Adam. She has barely scratched her real potential, while what we see is what we are going to get with Danny and Adam.

OOPS

How many people didn't get to see Adam's performance because they recorded it and the show ran long?

The show ran seriously late. I wonder how many recording the program missed out on Adam’s number, which closed the performances? Idol runs late on purpose, which is annoying to begin with, but instead of two or three minutes, this was close to 10. The show was so late there was only time for one judge’s comment following Adam’s song. Simon gave him major props, and deservingly so.

BREAKING IT DOWN

First, check out Tuesday night’s quick recap here, followed by a more detailed look, complete with the updated season rankings:

In a world of their own: Danny, Adam, Allison. They can interpret as well as sing.

Talented, but not quite in the same league: Matt, Kris. This is the time of the season when it can be lethal to have an “off” week, and Kris had an off week.

Your ticket home is awaiting: Lil, Scott, Anoop. It’s just a matter of time.

SEASON RANKINGS
Last week’s rankings in parentheses
1. (1.) Danny Gokey
Song: “Stand By Me,” by Mickey Gilley
My comment: Danny and Adam are the most confident performers among the finalists, and Gokey displayed that confidence with his own take on this classic. This was not Mickey Gilley’s version, nor was it Ben E. King’s take. This was 100 percent Danny Gokey. I didn’t care that much for the arrangement, but I could listen to Danny sing the J.C. Penney catalogue.
Paula: “I liked the creative substitutions you took.”
Kara: “You turned it on its head and made it your own.”
Randy: “You made me love it, even though I didn’t love the arrangement.”
Simon: “Overall, great.”

2. (3.) Adam Lambert
Song: “Mad World,” by Tears for Fears
My comment: The vocals again were amazing, accented perfectly by the lighting that was eerily similar to what Constantine Maroulis and Kellie Pickler used when they sang Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” in seasons past. Adam is gaining on Danny Gokey for that No. 1 ranking. I’m anxious to see what next week’s theme will be.
Simon: “I want to give you a standing ovation.”

3. (4.) Allison Iraheta
Song: “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” by Bonnie Raitt
My comment: Big Red has a God-given feel for almost every song she sings. She is so far away the finest female talent in this year’s contest, it’s not even close. This was a great, great performance.
Paula: “You have all of your heart in this song.”
Kara: “Let’s go make a record, man.”
Randy: “You remind me so much of (Kelly Clarkson). She could sing her face off, and so can you. You can really sing, and I love your voice.”

4. (5.) Matt Giraud
Song: “Part Time Lover,” by Stevie Wonder
My comment: Matt donned the hat again, a good choice. The song was also a good choice. He slowed down Stevie Wonder’s more upbeat version and it worked. Play that funky white music, white boy. Definitely the comeback of the week.
Paula: “Two words. Standin O!”
Kara: “Incredible.”
Randy: “Vocally, one of the best tonight.”
Simon: “Well done. A million times better than last week.”

5. (2.) Kris Allen
Song: “All She Wants To Do Is Dance,” by Don Henley
My comment: Kris performed with an electric guitar in the mosh pit. He seemed a bit out of his element in this surrounding. Maybe it was because I prefer him Jim Croce-like on a stool, or possibly because I’ve always hated this song, but whatever the reason he left me kind of flat with this effort.
Simon: “It was indulgent, boring, forgettable. It was a stupid, stupid song choice.”

Lil Rounds may be the most frustrated contestant in the field. The judges have completely screwed her up.

6. (6.) Lil Rounds
Song: “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” by Tina Turner
My comment: Lil was back in a more comfortable R&B mode, which is where she belongs. The performance was not great, but it was worlds better than what she has given us in recent weeks.
Paula: “You’re bigger than a karaoke rendition.”
Kara: “It’s about making that leap from a singer to an artist.”
Randy: “You have mad talent and you look hot tonight … but you’re not listening to us.”
Simon: “It was second- or third-rate rendition of Tina Turner. We have lost you.”

7. (7.) Scott MacIntyre
Song: “The Search Is Over,” by Survivor
My comment: First, he surprises us with the electric guitar. Secondly, he gives us a new sound, a power ballad with a bit of an edge. It was far from perfect, but this was Scott’s best showing in about a month. “It’s my punk side coming out,” he said.
Paula: “I had no idea you played guitar.”
Kara: “There were parts I liked and parts I thought were too ambitious.”
Randy: “It didn’t show you as a star.”
Simon: “I would suggest you go back to the piano next week. The song was horrible.”

8. (8.) Anoop Desai
Song: “True Colors,” by Cyndi Lauper
My comment: There seems to be no in-between for Anoop Dogg. He’s either great (“You Were Always On My Mind”) or mind-numbingly boring like this effort. He sang the song well, but so many of his efforts come close to putting me to sleep. When I heard he was singing a Cyndi Lauper song, all I could think about was Capt. Lou Albano and her stint with the World Wrestling Federation. Capt. Lou played her father in the “Girls Just Wanna have Fun” video. Maybe Anoop should have tried that selection.
Paula: “Fantastic.”
Kara: “You controlled the song, you did not let it control you.”
Randy: “That was a very nice vocal.”
Simon: “Last week was abysmal, this week was very good.”

MOST LIKELY TO BE VOTED OFF: This week’s going to be a tough call, but I think Anoop might be heading back to North Carolina.

LOOKING BACK

Here’s what our rankings looked like a year ago at this time:

1. David Cook
2. David Archuleta
3. Jason Castro
4. Michael Johns
5. Kristy Lee Cook
6. Brooke White
7. Syesha Mercado
8. Carly Smithson

IDOL THOUGHTS

Glad to see the Super Bowl-esque introductions of the judges was discarded.

Loved the baby pics of the judges and Ryan. That was some overbite Ryan had as a youngster.

That new “Glee” show on Fox looks promising.

The most confused contestant right now is Lil Rounds. The judges have her completely screwed up. I don’t think there is any way she reaches the top four.

JUDGES SCORECARD

Simon: I don’t think he gave Allison enough credit. I think he fails to remember, at times, she is only 16. Score: 7.
Kara: Much shorter critiques are helping. Score: 6.
Paula: Have you noticed Paula insists on standing up and dancing to most very song performed by the finalists — then babbles something that is totally incoherent at times when it’s her turn to talk? Enough already. Score: 2.
Randy: Like Kara, the Dawg seems to be keeping his comments shorter and shorter. Score: 6.

Finals standings: Randy 39, Simon 39, Kara 31, Paula 20.

Season standings: Simon 173, Kara 139, Randy 119, Paula 113.

Judges championships
Semifinals: Simon
Hollywood Week: Simon
Auditions: Simon

Well, we don’t have Megan to kick around anymore.

Megan Joy Corkrey, the girl who fell from a favorite t0 flash in the pan in what seemed to be the twinkling of an eye, became the latest casualty in the Idol countdown.

Megan’s exit was deserving. Her last three performances were abysmal, and her dwindling fan base must have felt it was time to throw up the white flag.

The song choices, the stage presence … just about everything asssociated with her took a direct turn south shortly after she reached the finals.

Megan, Anoop Desai and Allison Iraheta were the bottom three in voting. Anoop deserved to be there, but Allison didn’t. And there was no way she was leaving the show anyway. Lord Simon all but assured us of that once the final three was revealed, Allison would have received the judges’ save.

But there was never any chance of Megan being saved, and Simon told her that.

“This is your swan song,” he said to her before she brutalized “Turn The Lights Down Low” a second straight night. She even forgot the words at one point Wednesday night.

Despite her shortcomings, I have to admit Megan was always burst of excitement during her Idol stay. Just as we have learned to look forward to seeing what Adam Lambert will do next, the degree of train wreck Megan might cause created another level of anticipation.

“I’m gonna walk the plank. It’s my plank … so let’s party,” Meghan said.

Party on, Megan.

THE ELITE EIGHT

So here’s who is left and their chances:

Could win it all: Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert, Kris Allen.

Still a contender: Allison Iraheta.

Still a contender, but barely: Matt Giraud.

Falling fast: Lil Rounds (please get rid of the wigs and go back to being Lil.)

The party’s over: Scott MacIntyre, Anoop Desai

THE RETURN OF DAVID COOK

The 2008 Idol champ returned to the stage where it all started to debut his new single. That brought back some great memories, eh?

Cook was — and remains — a very deserving Idol champion, and “Come Back To Me” sounds like another hit.

“I’ve gotten to do some amazing things,” Cook said.

And you, Mr. Cook, are an amazing musician.

LADY GAGA PUTS ON A SHOW

Lady GaGa sang her No. 1 hit “Poker Face.” First time I had ever seen this act. It was … umm, interesting. If you combine Christina Aguilera and Madonna, that would pretty well sum it up.

THE WEEKLY BEST

The top individual weekly performances since the finals began:

Week 4: Kris Allen, Ain’t No Sunshine
Week 3: Adam Lambert, Tracks Of My Tears
Week 2: Anoop Desai, You Were Always On My Mind
Week 1: Adam Lambert, Black and White

THE WEEKLY WORST

The worst individual weekly performances since the finals began:

Week 4: Megan Joy Corkrey, Turn Your Lights Down Low
Week 3: Megan Joy Corkrey, For Once In My Life
Week 2: Adam Lambert, Ring Of Fire
Week 1: Anoop Desai, Beat It

IDOL THOUGHTS

Ryan informed that more than 36 million votes were cast following Tuesday’s performance show.

Did you catch Alexis Grace in the audience? She had to be thinking she was more deserving than some of the Idols left standing.

The group number, “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, was not half bad and showed Allison and Kris would make for a great duet.

Anoop’s impersonation of Kris was classic.

Allison’s impersonation of Danny was even “classic-er.”

NEXT WEEK

The Idols can choose a song from the year they were born.