Haley Reinhart: Why is she still in the game?

For as many people who voted this week following American Idol’s Wednesday performance show — a record 55 million — it was obvious during Thursday’s results way too many of them were missing some serious brain cells.

We came that close to the biggest Idol travesty since Asia’h Epperson failed to make the round of 12 or Chris Daughtry finished fourth. In order:

1. Paul McDonald:  The most unique talent this season and No. 1 for four out of weeks in the Idol Nation rankings, shows up in the bottom three. And since two contestants were to be voted off the island, he could easily have been gone. Fortunately, he was not, or what has been — to this point — considered the best season in Idol history could have been reduced to also-ran status.

2. Haley Reinhart: She is not only not voted off, she is not even in the bottom three.

3. Stefano Langone: Ditto.

America, what’s the deal? Maybe this should haven’t been as much of a surprise as I make it out to be, since every Idol season there seems to be one of these goofy weeks. Hopefully, there won’t be a second. But geez … that was close.

GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Naima Adedapo and Thia Megia were the two who were sent packing. Neither was a surprise, although I thought Thia had improved enough to merit at least one more week.

Naima was, at times, a breath of fresh air, but she simply could not put two consistent weeks together. I’ll remember her most for her “Dancin’ In The Streets” number during Motown Week. Thia waited too long to show some emotion and make a connection with the audience. At least she went out with a memorable performance, singing Elton John’s “Daniel”.

LOOKING AHEAD

We are two weeks from when the brutal cuts begin. That’s assuming Stefano and Haley are the next two to go (though I now realize there are no givens his season). Thoretically, the final seven should be the top seven in the ensuing rankings. That’s when we’ll be at the point of Season 10 when you can make a case for any of those remaining to advance — or be eliminated. Let’s just hope our anticipation of that Magnificent Seven (fans of movie westerns will appreciate that reference) is not dashed by what almost happened this week.

THIS WEEK’S IDOL NATION RANKINGS

1. (1.) (2.) (1.) (1.) — Paul McDonald: I’m still shaking my head about what almost unfolded before our very eyes.

2. (2.) (1.) (2.) (3.) – Pia Toscano: OK, I have gotten over my Pia tantrum from Wednesday night after she sang her 433rd consecutive ballad. Pia could be the next Celine Dion and I will probably buy her debut CD. I just hope that CD has at least one up-tempo song on it.

3. (4.) (5.) (5.) (7.) — James Durbin: The crazy kid who loves pro wrestling is coming on strong(er) each week — note the progressive improvement in the Idol rankings. Look at the top four on this list. They are so diverse, led by our rock and roll manchild. Sure, we’ve had rockers before, but none quite like Durbin, who has this bad-boy-with-a-smile aura. Chris Daughtry, Bo Bice, Carly Smithson and the rest from the rock era of Idol all projected a completely different image. Another plus for Durbin is that he and McDonald are the most accomplished of the final nine in playing to the audience, an inangible that will become more valuable  in the weeks ahead. 

Jacob Lusk: Falling in the rankings.

4. (5.) (4.) (6.) (8.) — Scotty McCreery: The “I Told You So” duet Thursday night with Lauren Alaina was a thing of beauty and will most definitely crack our list of Season 10 Top 10 individual performances, which will be updated and released later this week. 

5. (6.) (7.) (7.) (4.) — Lauren Alaina: She’s got her swagger back, America and the judges seem to lover her. As long as she rememebrs her lyrics she has nothign to worry about for at least two more weeks.

6. (8.) (6.) (3.) (9.) — Casey Abrams: It was so-o-o-o nice to see Casey back on track Wednesday night.  What was arguably most impressive about Casey’s “Your Song” effort is that he listened to super producer Jimmy Iovine, who told him he was terrible (I’m paraphrasing, but only a little) the previous two weeks. It was time to get back to the Casey who had impressed us all before he decided to make a U-urn with that “Smells Like Teen Spirit” selection two weeks ago.

7. (3.) (3.) (4.) (2.) — Jacob Lusk: I’ve become disenchanted with Jacob. He seems to be spiraling downward — as our rankings reflect. I think he is in danger next week of walking the plank unless he can recapture that Jacob magic we enjoyed eerlier this season. We always want to see growth and the ability to tackle new genres, but I think Jacob is trying to grow too fast with too much.

8. (10-tie.) (8.) (NR) (10.) — Stefano Langone: I’d say I was most shocked that Stefano was neither in the bottom three at the very least, or voted off the show, which I fully expected. But I can’t say that, because as surprised as I am he is still around I and completely dumbfounded that the following contestant is still with us.

9. (10-tie.) (NR) (NR) (NR) —  Haley Reinhart: Sometimes the day following the performance show I have second thoughts about how I ranked conestants, especially after hearing the numbers again. I have absolutely no regrets about my opinion of Haley’s “Bennie And The Jets”  debacle. She should have been voted off the show. Somewhere in this great nation we live in there is an Idol conspiracy at work. I’m convinced of it.

My initial response when hearing Wednesday’s performance show would feature the songs of Elton John was, “OK, who is going to sing ‘Good-bye Yellow Brick Road” and “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me”? If there were two songs I was sick of hearing after 10 years of American Idol it was those two. In recent seasons I have almost come to dread Elton John Week, simply because of those two songs. 

But what made this year’s interpretation of Elton John more enjoyable than most were the different takes some of the Idols put on his songs. Scotty McCreery took “Country Comfort” and have it his special — you guessed it — country twist, Naima Adedapo provided us with some reggae action on “I’m Still Standing” and Thia Megia finally showed us some emotion with an intriguing “Daniel”. Not all of the concepts worked, but at least some were thinking outside the box. (Just once, I’d like to know where that box is everyone is talking about. I don’t know if I have ever found that box my entire life.)

Elton John has given us some of the most remarkable albums from the last 40 years, and the Idols, for the most part, added to his mystique with some innovative performances. Maybe I won’t dread Elton John Week so much a year from now, unless Pia Toscano returns to sing that blasted “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On me” again.

DOUBLE THE DRAMA

So who is going home Thursday night? We’re going to lose two Idols – it’s guaranteed. Because of last week’s save of Casey Abrams, America has to hand pink slips to two of the final 11.

James Durbin

WEDNESDAY NIGHT’S PERFORMANCE GRADES

1. James Durbin: “Saturday Night’s All Right (For Fightin’)”
Steven Tyler: “You brought the heat.”
My comment: There was fire, jumping off a piano, screaming … too bad James is such an introvert. For energy alone, this year’s crazy man wins the night. Elton John recorded up-tempo music along with all of the classic ballads, so why were so few Idols reluctant to try them, to step out a little bit? Fortunately James was willing to try and go that route – and rock the house. J-Lo hit the nail on the proverbial Idol head. This kid’s already a performer. 

2. Thia Megia: “Daniel”
Randy Jackson: “It was once again very safe”
My comment: Hands down, Thia’s best showing of the season. We saw and felt some of the emotion we knew was there, but for some reason had been smothered for four long weeks. I hope enough of America feels she deserves another shot to see if this is a gowth curve developing … or just a fluke.

3. Scotty McCreery: “Country Comfort”
Jennifer Lopez: “You have amazing instincts about performing.”
My comment: Scotty was — dare I say it? — “pitchy” and I’m not sure how many noticed, but he botched the words several times. But he nailed that last line with his baritone and he has no worry about going anywhere except into next week.

4. Paul McDonald: “Rocket Man”
Randy Jackson: “When you get in that quiet zone, it is infectious. You got this. We believe.”
My comment: Paul remains the most unique talent in this competition by far, but “Rocket Man” would be little more than album filler on his first million seller. It left me simply looking forward to whatever he is going to sing next week.

Lauren Alaina

5. Lauren Alaina: “Candle In The Wind”
Steven Tyler: “You keep singing like that and you’ll be able to afford the rest of that dress.”
My comment: I had high hopes for the resident country diva when I heard she would be singing this song, but like Paul’s “Rocket Man” … ummm, it just never totally connected. Obviously, my opinion was a bit different than Steven, Jennifer and Randy — who all loved the effort.

6. Casey Abrams: “Your Song”
Jennifer Lopez: “One decision I didn’t lose any sleep over was saving you.”
My comment: Welcome back, Casey. After back-to-back horrendous perforfmances, we saw a return of the singer we liked way back when. The performance was hardly flawless, but I think he’s back on track.

7. Pia Toscano: “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me.”
Randy Jackson: “The world knows you can sing.” 
My comment: The judges were going ga-ga again over Pia, but she left me completely flat with this — another ballad. I was more ticked off than appreciative of her talent. Why couldn’t she have chosen “Saturday Night’s All Right (For Fightin’)” or “The Bitch Is Back”? Anything that is a little upbeat. But no, the dreaded “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me.” I can’t tell you how much I hate that song. Hate it, hate it, hate it.

8. Stefano Langone: “Tiny Dancer”
Jennifer Lopez: “I really felt like you moved the crowd”
My comment: Much better than a week ago, but enough to survive the two-person cut? It will be close.

9. Naima Adedapo: “I’m Still Standing”
Jennifer Lopez: “It was a better idea than payoff”
My Comment: What hurt her performance most was the reggae thing did not lend itself to what is normally a potent chorus of this song. The reggae swag worked well on most of the lyrics, but overall it fell flat. An “A” for effort, but it just didn’t hit the mark like she hoped it would.

10. Jacob Lusk: “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word”
Randy Jackson: “Find that one spot in every song for your ‘Jacob spot’.”
My comment: Jacob has to learn every song is not life and death. Just sing me a song, Big Man. Don’t try and turn every number into a major, major production. Sometimes, simpler is better.

11. Haley Reinhart: “Bennie And The Jets”
Jennifer Lopez: “That was it, Haley! That was it!”
My comment: Have I gone completely tone deaf? Was my TV set malfunctioning? Haley was horrible, but the judges all drooled how incredible she was. If she isn’t voted off the show this week I will burn my autographed picture of Simon Cowell. This was the new worst performance of the season.

And now the real reality TV battle begins.

ABC hit series Dancing with the Stars returned with a vengeance last week, coming tantalizingly close to knocking American Idol out of its season-long the No. 1 perch atop the network TV ratings.

Idol has been the No. 1 show for seven seasons running, but this year figured to be its biggest challenge to keep that position, and Dancing with the Stars demonstrated last week there will be a fight to the finish.

Idol’s ratings figure to climb a little higher each week it moves toward its grand finale in late May, which would be just the opposite of 2010 when a rather pedestrian class of finalists  — Lee DeDwyze (yawn … ) was the winner, remember? — helped lead Idol down its path to almost-ratings ruin.

Idol’s numbers kept decreasing as the 2010 season progressed. This year’s popular cast of finalists should keep the ratings strong — but strong enough to hold off Dancing with the Stars?

TOP 10 NETWORK PROGRAMS FOR WEEK OF MARCH 21

1. “American Idol” (Wednesday, March 23), Fox, 23.95 million viewers
2. “Dancing with the Stars,” ABC, 22.66 million
3. “American Idol” (Thursday, March 24), Fox, 21.3 million
4. “NCIS,” CBS, 19.46 million
5. “NCIS: Los Angeles,” CBS, 16.56 million
6. “60 Minutes,” CBS, 14.81 million
7. “Castle,” ABC, 12.03 million
8. “Undercover Boss,” CBS, 11.87 million
9. “The Good Wife,” CBS, 11.7 million
10. “CSI: Miami,” 11.19 million.

FROM AROUND THE IDOL NATION:

From Lyndsey Parker, Yahoo reality TV blogger: Look, if Steven Tyler is tough enough to battle Kid Rock, Joe Perry and drug addiction, then he should be capable of brutally honestly critiquing Stefano Langone’s shrill Lionel Richie cover, Thia Megia’s robotic emotionlessness, or Scott McCreery’s eyebrow-wriggling facial mugging and one-octave range. Lines like “You don’t look a day over fabulous” may be quotable and DVR-able (and at least they’re dang funny, which is more than can be said for most of Ellen’s Season 9 critiques), but they’re not going to help anyone grow in this competition in the long run. He certainly shouldn’t lose his wonderfully weird sense of humor, but it’s time for S.Ty to get a grip.

From antimusic.com: Judge Steven Tyler will release his memoir Does the Noise in My Head Bother You? on May 11. In the book description, Tyler reveals what fans can expect to read in the 352-page tome. “I’ve been mythicized, Mick-icized, eulogized and fooligized, I’ve been Cole-Portered and farmer’s-daughtered, I’ve been Led Zepped and 12-stepped,” he wrote. “I’m a rhyming fool and so cool that me, Fritz the Cat, and Mohair Sam are the baddest cats that am. I have so many outrageous stories, too many, and I’m gonna tell ‘em all. All the unexpurgated, brain-jangling tales of debauchery, sex and drugs, transcendous and chemical dependence you will ever want to hear.”

From The Los Angeles Times: An estimated 15,000 filled the L.A. Sports Arena parking lot early Sunday morning — 5 a.m.-ish early … even with the rain — for the first round of auditions for Fox’s new singing competition series The X Factor. The show will mark the return of American Idol star judge, Simon Cowell. At stake is a $5-million recording contract with Sony, and those in attendance were pulling out all the stops so that they might find themselves competing for all that dough when the show premieres in the fall.

From imdb.com: Idol executive producer Nygel Lythgoe has praised host Ryan Seacrest for his “consummate” approach to the show. Lythgoe used his Twitter page to salute the Fox reality competition’s host following last Thursday’s results program. The producer wrote: “What a crazy night at American Idol. I love how (Ryan Seacrest) thinks on his feet. It’s so easy to work with someone who is open to suggestions and performs with consummate ease. “There were so many unplanned and unrehearsed events occurring … So much that may have thrown another host but not (Seacrest).”

Instead of “Songs from the 1980s” the 11 remaining American Idol contestants will sing “Songs of Elton John” during this week’s Wednesday night performance show.

Officials from both Idol and the Fox Network announced that “just in time for his 64th birthday, the show has switched around the theme for Wednesday’s performance episode to songs from Elton John.”

This is the second time that Idol has decided to jump into the back catalog of the “Rocket Man,” having previously used it for the top nine performers back in Season 3.

"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest and Paul McDonald.

Paul McDonald, whose mother is a professor at the University of Tennessee, continues to dominate the Idol Nation Season 10 Top 10 list of individual performances.

McDonald’s “loose dude in a cool mood” sound — as judge Steven Tyler describes it — has landed three of his performance show offerings in our top five.

McDonald is also the first contestant this year to enjoy two *MOMENTS*, starting with his memorable “Maggie May” cover of the incomparable Rod Stewart classic in Week 1 of the finals. Hs second *MOMENT* came last week when he unleashed “Tracks Of My Tears”

When asked to describe himself in contrast to the other finalists, McDonald told Entertainment Weekly, “I guess I am the quirky one with the white teeth. I am just being me.

“Genre-wise,” McDonald said, “I think I am outside of the box from the others because I don’t really listen to top 40 radio and I don’t have the range to do those Celine Dion ballads. I went the band-and-indie route. I have been on a lot of stages and that helps.”

Tyler said about McDonald, “You got a real character about your voice, and I love that.”

In addition, MTV.com has declared McDonald the”coolest contestant” this season.

IDOL NATION “SEASON 10 TOP 10″ HEADING INTO MARCH 30 PERFORMANCE SHOW

1. Paul McDonald (“Maggie May”), *MOMENT* Week 1 of finals
2. Pia Toscano (“I’ll Stand By You”), *MOMENT* Week 1 of finals
3. Jacob Lusk (“God Bless the Child”), *MOMENT* Hollywood Week
4. Paul McDonald (“Tracks Of My Tears”), *MOMENT* Week 4 of finals
5. Paul McDonald (“Come Pick Me Up”), Week 2 of finals
6. Casey Abrams (“With A Little Help From My Friends”), Week 2 of finals
7. James Durbin (“Living For The City”), Week 4 of finals
8. Pia Toscano (“Where Do Broken Hearts Go?”), Week 3 of finals
9. Jacob Lusk (“A House Is Not A Home”), Week 1 of finals
10. Jacob Lusk (“Alone”), Week 3 of finals

Sounds like another good theme for the remaining 11 American Idol finalists to work with Wednesday night on the performance show.

“Hits from the 1980s” will be what Casey Abrams, Naima Adedapo, Lauren Alaina, James Durbin, Stefano Langone, Jacob Lusk, Scotty McCreery, Paul McDonald, Thia Megia, Haley Reinhart and Pia Toscano will provide.

Two of the remaining 11 will then be eliminated the following night on the Thursday results program. Two must go because judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson used their one “save” for the season to keep Abrams around following his Motown Week disaster of “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”.

I fully expect Abrams to come out with a killer performance next and scrap his over-the-top schtick. If so, that means the most likely to exit are some combination of Haley Reinhart, Stefano Langone and Thia Megia.

Broadway star, Grammy Award winner and Season 3 American Idol winner Fantasia will appear on the Thursday, March 31 results show.

Fantasia will sing her latest hit, “Collard Greens & Cornbread,” according to published reports.

Also set to appear on the program will be will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas and Academy Award and Grammy winner Jamie Foxx, who will perform their first-ever musical collaboration, “Hot Wings (I Wanna Party),” which has been written for the upcoming animated feature film Rio.

The judges their one and only save to keep Casey Abrams a part of the Season 10 lineup.

Wow. That was what live television is all about.

Consider yourself among the lucky and fortunate if you watched Thursday night’s American Idol results show. Not only did you witness Idol history, but you were able to experience the raw emotion of what makes this show so special to Idol-aholics like me and, well, you, too.

Casey Abrams, one of the favorites to be the next American Idol heading into the finals, was the lowest vote-getter from Wednesday’s performance show, which was startling in itself – but deserved. Casey had back-to-back terrible showings and with the talent pool as deep as it is this season that proved to be a recipe for potential disaster.

Judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson then opted to use the only “save” they are alloted to keep Casey and give him another chance. It was the earliest the save has ever been used by the judges in Idol history. Abrams was so overcome with emotion it appeared he would pass out, and with his recent history of health problems there was a genuine look of concern on host Ryan Seacrest’s face.

Once Casey had recovered, thanked the judges and hugged his mom, Seacrest then reminded us that two contestants have to be cut next week to make up for saving Casey.

And …

In a first for Idol, all 11 remaining finalists will go on tour this summer, rather than the customary 10.

I seriously thought Casey was toast. I was certain the judges would save the save — no pun intended — for later in the season. That in itself adds an entirely new element into what is already a big-time drama.

We have two more months of this craziness … I can’t wait for next week.

BIGGEST SURPRISES, DISAPPOINTMENTS

Now that we’ve reached the “final” 11 contestants (again), who have been the biggest surprises — and disappointments? Here’s one man’s opinion:

Scotty McCreery

Biggest surprise, guys: I don’t think anyone expected Scotty McCreery to become as polished of a performer so quickly. Think back to where he was just a month ago, or even back to the auditions. He’s gone from hayseed to cult hero in a matter of weeks. I can vouch for Scotty’s nationwide impact after receiving a voice mail from a friend in Springfield, Mo. I played the message back and all I heard was, “Baby, lock them doors and turn … ” Yeah, it’s Scotty’s world and the rest of us are just passing through.

Biggest surprise, girls: Even though she is in the doghouse right now for singing another ballad, Pia Toscano has gone from “Who’s she?” to household name almost overnight. I like the judges’ comparisons to Celine Dion.

Most disappointing, guys: This is rather difficult, considering how strong the guys have been this season. Initially, I didn’t expect that much out of Stefano Langone, and for the exception of one shining moment a week ago, he’s pretty much delivered on that (lack of) potential. I’ve probably been the most disappointed in Casey, and judging by that Wednesday vote I was not alone. He entered the finals on such a roll, but has flatlined the last two performances. But now he has a second chance many would have never received.

Most disappointing, girls: A tie between Ashton Jones and Karen Rodriguez. I thought they were both locks for the top eight, but Ashton proved she was all flash and attitude while K-Rod crashed and burned after opening strong with Mariah Carey’s “Hero”.

GREAT TOUCH

A funny thing happened on the way to the usual cheesy group number that opens the show. After the Idols finished with “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” out comes Stevie Wonder for a rousing version of “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” as the studio crowd of 700 went crazy. It was Motown Week, remember?

Stevie followed his song with a revved-up version of  “Happy Birthday” to judge Steven Tyler, who was obviously surprised by the mini-tribute, which included a cake and Peter Max-ish painting.

Hulk Hogan

Actually, the sometimes-cumbersome group numbers have not been totally awful this year. Once again, this is due to the impact of Nigel Lythgoe’s return as executive producer. Another semi-memorable group effort was the Beatles tribute about a month ago.

DIS-N-DATA

Idol’s ratings continue to climb. More than 23 million watched Wednesday’s performance show, up about a million from the preceding week. In addition, more than 30 million votes were cast.

HULKAMANIA RUNNIN’ WILD

Hope you watched the whole show and did not tune in just for the last five minutes. If so, you saw the unannounced appearance of former pro wrestling heavyweight champion of the galaxy Hulk Hogan. Hulk’s appearance followed a clip about how much Idols James Durbin and Paul McDonald enjoy pro wrestling. Great stuff.

And now, who’s hot and who’s not …

AMERICAN IDOL RANKINGS: WEEK 4
Previous rankings in parentheses

1. (2.) (1.) (1.) — Paul McDonald: Disregarding the performance in Week 3 when he was battling illness, Paul has been remarkable, introducing a quirky genre the show has never seen. The judges appreciate not only his talent, but his originality. And above all else, it is his voice that separates him from the field, that crazy combination of Rod Stewart and James Blunt.

2. (1.) (2.) (3.) — Pia Toscano: Who wants to bet the diva will not sing a ballad next Wednesday?

Lauren Alaina is back in the game.

3. (3.) (4.) (2.) — Jacob Lusk: “Baby Luther,” as Steven Tyler so aptly pegged him, is so easy to listen to that it is difficult not to openly root for him in this competition. As long as Jacob keeps the over-the-topness to a minimum he’ll be fine. He has survived January, February and (almost) March. I think he’s almost a sure bet to reach at least the first week in May.

4. (5.) (5.) (7.) — James Durbin: The major thing I am noticing about James is the amount of confidence he now possesses. As long as that does not morph into cockiness it will be an asset.

5. (4.) (6.) (8.) — Scotty McCreery: Scotty definitely appeals to more than teen girls. I had a 70-year-old woman call me and tell me how sexy she thinks Scotty is.

6. (7.) (7.) (4.) — Lauren Alaina: If Lauren had not given us that killer “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” Wednesday she might have had to worry about being bounced Thursday night. Now, however, she’s back in the game.

7. (10.) (9.) (NR) — Naima Adedapo: If you recorded Wednesday’s performance show, replay Naima’s “Dancin in the Streets”. It’s even better the second time around.

8. (6.) (3.) (9.) — Casey Abrams: Speaking of watching a performance a second time, Casey was even worse when I gave him another listen. He should be extremely grateful for what happened Thursday night.

9. (9.) (10.) (NR) — Thia Megia: There’s really no long-term hope for her, is there?

10-tie. (8.) (NR) (10.) – Stefano Langone: Stefano made the tour. I’m sure he considers the season a success.

10-tie. (NR) (NR) (NR) — Haley Reinhart: If this girl were a cat she would have used up at least three of her nine lives.

The marriage between J-Lo and "Idol" has been a perfect one.

Halfway into Season 10 of American Idol, the positive vibes remain as critics and fans alike seem to agree: The buzz is back. Idol is again water-cooler conversation material.

The stretch run should be tremendous entertainment, thanks to this year’s lineup of talent. And remember, once we hit about the final eight I imagine the tension on both the performance and results shows will be at heights not seen since at least 2008. The show’s been good so far — very good, in fact — but I think the best is yet to come. With that in mind, here are my midseason grades:

The auditions: B. The function of this year’s talent hunts were more or less to allow us the chance to get to know new judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. We learned that Steven is a lunatic (and I mean that in the best way, of course), who quickly permitted us to (bleeping) forget all about (bleeping) Simon Cowell’s departure. We also were able to watch J-Lo develop into a television personality right before our very eyes. She wound up being a perfect choice for the middle chair, mainly because of the “it” factor. We just like her. Her career has also enjoyed a supersonic kick-start since joining the Idol lineup. It’s been a win-win-win situation.

Hollywood Week: B-minus: There were no real revelations, nothing we have not seen in years past. I think the show’s producers missed the boat to introduce us to a few more of the main talents during the editing process. Every year come the finals there are a few contestants who are like strangers at the outset, and there is simply no excuse for that.

Las Vegas Week: B-minus: For the most part, this part of the process could have been eliminated. I’ll be shocked if we have to go through this again.

Steven Tyler's lunacy has been a big plus.

The judges: A-minus. For reasons already stated, Steven and J-Lo were exactly what was needed to breathe new life into this juggernaut. And they’re only going to get better. Steven still tends to wander and drift a bit, and J-Lo still does not like to hurt anyone’s feelings, but by the end of the season I think we’ll have the right amount of insight and critique from both. Hats off to Randy, too. The Dawg has toned down the histrionics in favor of some actual, spot-on advice and criticism.

The Guys: A-minus. A quality group, which may produce five of the final six. Biggest surprise: Paul McDonald, who captured America’s fancy in week one of the finals. Biggest disappointment: There really is none. I thought Stefano Langone would be the weak link, but even he has stepped up his game. (Although he did struggle Wednesday night.)

The Girls: B-minus. Pia Toscano and Lauren Alaina are standouts, but after those two there is a definite fall-off. Biggest surprise: The way Pia came out and destroyed just about anyone in her way the first three weeks of the elimination rounds. Biggest disappointment: Karen Rodriguez, who looked to be a bona fide contender a month ago. Ironically, she and Pia are best friends and it figured to be Pia who would exit early.

Overall show: B-plus. The improvement and watchability over version 2010 are like night and day. I can’t wait for the next episode of Idol this season. A year ago at this time, I just wanted it to be over.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT PERFORMANCE GRADES

Steven Tyler told us the music of Motown made him “just want to make out with girls.” Ah yes, Motown, the music that defined more than a generation. It also helped define an oh-so-important era of our nation. And on Wednesday night it defined our Idol wannabes, producing a number of memorable performances.  Here are my thoughts:

Paul McDonald

1. Paul McDonald: “Tracks Of My Tears,” by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles
Steven Tyler: “Like Dylan, like Willie Nelson, your voice is (special) … I love it, it is just great.”
My comment: “You’ll always know who Paul McDonald is. Out of a million singers, you’ll always know who he is,” said producer Jimmy Iovine. Part of Paul’s secret is his phrasing. Listen closely to him next week. Rod Stewart met Smokey with this offering, and it was oh-so-good. This was Paul’s second-best effort of the season and it was also his second *MOMENT*. I always know a *MOMENT* because I feel them, maybe through a tear, maybe through the goose bumps that make the hair on your arms stand up. There was a little of both when he had the crowd on its feet at the height of this number. Paul McDonald has re-established his championship credentials.

2. James Durbin: “Living For The City,” by Stevie Wonder
J-Lo: “You are serious business up there. It is an incredible thing to watch.”
My comment: “Sometimes it takes a little bit of crazy to make a difference in this world, and that’s where you are at,” Steven Tyler said. Durbin tore the stage apart again, and is getting stronger each time out. Think ahead a few weeks … can you imagine how high the stakes are going to be? Durbin is part of an incredible, incredible talent base. enjoy it, Idol Nation, it’s been a long time coming and we’re just getting started.

3. Scotty McCreery: “For Once In My Life,” by Stevie Wonder
Steven Tyler: “You took a big chance, and you really ripped it. You tweak everybody with those low notes.”
My comment: The Kid did it. He really did it. He took Motown and made it — you guessed it — his own. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect this. He gave us the unique version of Randy Travis and gang signs. There were a few problem areas, but nothing major. And have you noticed how much his personality keeps emerging? “We gave it a little Scotty vibe,” he said. I think it was Randy who first said many years ago, “He’s in it to win it.” Tonight for the first time I was convinced The Kid might actually do just that, win this whole thing. Remember, he’s getting better each week and his confidence — as much as his fan base — is growing.

4. Naima Adedapo: “Dancin’ In The Street,” by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas
Steven Tyler: “It was E to the Z to the twiddly-dee.”
My comment: Naima was light years ahead of last week’s Tina turner disaster, and even though there were some rough spots, her dancing at the end put her over the top in what was an impressive comeback performance. ”It was American Idol morphing into So You Think you Can Dance,” Ryan Sacrest said.

5. Jacob Lusk: “You’re All I Need To Get By,” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

Naima Adedapo

Randy Jackson: “The great Berry Gordy is somwhere tonight saying OMG.”
My comment: Producer Jimmy Iovine emphasized he wanted Jacob to pull in the power a little. And he did, and we were finally able to see another side to this marvelous talent. “You made us beg,” J-Lo said. “You made us beg. You move us. It’s amazing.” Technically, I think there were some obvious flaws, but this kid is going to be amazing in his post-Idol career.

6. Lauren Alaina: “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” by Diana Ross and the Supremes
J-Lo: “It was like so much attitude, and that’s what that song requires.”
My comment: The diva has finally arrived. Lauren Alaina, where have you been, child? This was Diana Ross meets Reba McIntire. Great job. Attitude, personality … and a great voice. Randy says Lauren has her swagger back. He’s right.

7. Pia Toscano: “All In Love Is Fair,” by Stevie Wonder
J-Lo: “Amazing vocals … but I need to see the other dynamic(s) to take you over the top.”
My comment: Pia, Pia Pia … what were you thinking? Another ballad? Give me some tempo, give me something at least a little upbeat. “You can’t live by ballads alone,” Randy said. Steven Tyler told she needed to “kick a little ass.” Pia’s incredible talent was the only thing keeping this from being a yawner.

8. Thia Megia: “Heatwave,” by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas
Randy Jackson: “This new thing is a good thing. I’m happy to see you move a notch with something different.”
My comment: A much better selection, and even though parts of the song swallowed her up, we saw some emotion and a different tone and range from this 16-year-old. She’s still no title threat, but she may have bought herself an extra week or two.

9. Casey Abrams: “I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” by Marvin Gaye
J-Lo: “I don’t think there is anyone out there like you right now”
My comment: I’m in total disagreement with all three judges. I thought Casey was terrible, and I ask, “Are we seeing the beginning of the end for Casey Abrams?” This performance was even worse than last week’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit”. Still too much screaming and growling. He ruined one of the Motown classics. He’s in no danger of being shipped off the show — his fan base is too strong right now — but he is no longer a threat to win the whole thing with performances like his past two.

10. Stefano Langone: “Hello,” by Lionel Richie.
Randy Jackson: “There was no real connection or emotion.”
My comment: David Cook basically won Idol in 2007 with this song, but the version Stefano gave us was uneven and almost painful at times … and he still can’t keep his eyes open.

11. Haley Reinhart: “You Really Got A Hold On Me,” by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles
Steven Tyler: “You don’t look a day over fabulous.” (I didn’t understand it either.)
My comment: Haley’s goal was to avoid the bottom three (again) this week. Good luck with that, Blondie.