Alright, I told myself, so people didn’t love Mike’s version of “Eleanor Rigby.” He’ll still be first to get a reprieve. Nope, that went to dull and pitchy Aaron. Okay, no worries. Surely it's time for Andrew to go, right? Wrong again—Big Mike got the smallest number of votes.

 

Now I would hope that’s shocking to any of you watching (and following my humble coverage). The guy seems so well liked. He’s clearly the best singer among the men. Was I the only one who thought his changed-up cover was interesting? (Check out the studio version at iTunes—it’s even better.) Plus, he’s never been in the Bottom Three yet. So how does Big Mike suddenly find himself on the chopping block?

 

Who knows? Further proof that this is the weirdest season of Idol yet. But despite my frustration, I wasn’t worried. The judges would have been crazy to not use their Save at this point, especially with Aaron, Andrew, Tim, and Katie still in the wings waiting for their inevitable cut. Sure enough, Big Mike was rightfully spared to sing another week.

 

But what does this say about the season and the voting mentality? Are tween-aged girls doing all the voting and keeping lesser talented kids like Tim and Aaron in on charisma alone? Does singing and song interpretation no longer matter? And will this shocking development cause Mike to scale back on his arrangements and stick to boring Luther Vandross styled covers?

 

Folks, this does not bode well. I remain confident that Tim and Katie will be gone in due time—perhaps as early as next week. I’d like to believe Crystal is still the frontrunner—most polls I’ve seen show her well ahead of the competition. But I now can’t help but wonder if someone like Casey or Lee might not win it, not because of talent (which they’ve only just begun to fully tap into), but because they’re cute. That’s enough to make Simon Cowell want to leave the show—oh wait, he is.

 

Speaking of, this has been a growing trend in recent years, but anyone else fed up with the rude treatment towards the most popular of the judges? The other night featured some of the loudest audience heckling yet, including what was presumably Katie’s family during Simon’s critiques. There was the sign that read, “Simon, Button Up! (Your Shirt Too!)” Even contestants seem to disregard him, such as the one who misquoted the judge by saying, “It makes me mad when Simon says Andrew has no personality.” And lest we forget, the judges constantly interject their disagreement when he’s trying to deliver his remarks, even though he never interrupts them. (Ellen, what happened to being the courtesy patrol?) At least tonight, for once, Ryan complimented Simon's (spot-on) constructive criticism (concerning Aaron).

 

Maybe this explains why Simon seems so much more defensive and snarky this season when talking to Ryan and his colleagues. Whatever the case, I sense Simon is fed up with the direction of his show and is ready to move on to his American version of X Factor in 2011. And frankly, I’m about ready to follow him.

Because I’m certainly no longer watching American Idol for quality performances, and I’m not talking about the contest itself. The group sing this week was at least less cheesy than usual, performing a so-so Beatles medley that was very show choir (i.e. Glee) and not quite as canned.

 

So with no mentor obligated to perform, and not a snowball’s chance of getting McCartney on stage, how do you keep in step with the week’s theme? David Archuleta? Really? You bring back a contestant from two years ago to sing his cover of Lennon’s “Imagine”? It struck me as a lame acknowledgement, though I’ll admit, while Little Archie had no chance against David Cook that year, he’d have a decent shot of winning it all this season.

I was certainly no fan of Jason Derülo after his first hit single “Whatcha Say,” which so liberally borrowed from Imogen Heap’s “Hide & Seek.” But admittedly, his new hit “In My Head” was kinda catchy and he performed it well. At least I didn’t hate it. (As for his comment concerning the flash-pots that he “brought the gas” himself … well, I’ll let that be.)

 

And then there was Rhianna, delivering yet another over-the-top spectacle with a terribly lip-synced “live” performance of “Rockstar 101.” It was only the latest in this season’s parade of productions over performances (see Usher, Diddy Dirty Money, Ke$ha, and Miley Cyrus)—all flashy staging, overcompensating for redundant trash posing as music. Remember when American Idol featured good, must-see guest performances? Those days are gone, apparently.

 

Ah well, on to next week’s mysterious theme with guest mentor … wait, Adam Lambert? Okay, I know he understands the Idol experience as well as anyone, but isn’t it a little soon? Why not promote recent winners like Jordin Sparks or even Kris Allen? Very odd, but then it’s bound to be an odd week with two contestants going home due to the Judges’ Save this week. My thoughts on the current ranking?

1.       Crystal Bowersox – This week wasn’t her best, but it was enough to keep her the frontrunner.

2.       Lee DeWyze – Though “Hey Jude” was sloppy, his confidence and swagger swayed the masses.

3.       Casey James – “Jealous Guy” was easily his best, but too soon to say if he’s turned a corner.

4.       Siobhan Magnus – Demonstrated some skillful vocal restraint, but she needs to show focus.

5.       Michael Lynche – Yikes, he was saved from a premature departure—that doesn’t bode well.

6.       Aaron Kelly – Is there nothing more to this teen than boring, dated-sounding pop ballads?

7.       Andrew Garcia – We love your smile, Andrew; it’s your musical choices that are proving corny.

8.       Katie Stevens – If “Let It Be” was all she could muster emotionally, then she really is a fembot.

9.       Tim Urban – Bought himself time with a good performance this week … but for how long?

 

I crave your thoughts. What’s your opinion of Big Mike getting the lowest votes … and getting saved by the judges? Which two will likely get cut next week? Did you like the guest performances? Is Simon being treated rudely, or is turnabout fair play?