American Idol........Down to the Wire!.........~SpaceCase

Tonight we were entertained by this year's cream of the crop. After Joshua Gracin's honorable discharge last week, only the top three finalists remained. The producers wrote out the guest judge and theme tonight and wrote in an interesting twist regarding song selections for the night.

Ruben, Clay, and K-Lo, formerly known as Kimberly Locke ;), were set to sing three songs each. The first pick was randomly selected by fishing around in a glass bowl full of song titles. The second was a song the judges felt either represented the finalists, or showcased their finest qualities, and the final song was the trio's own decision.

Here are the three performers, their songs, and my thoughts on their stunning performances. I must say, it was a pleasure to sit back and enjoy a bit of the best! All in all, the remaining three blew the judges away tonight! Simon voted to have Ryan Seacrest up for nomination so that the three super-stars could stay and the world would be happy!

1. Kimberly Locke - (random) "Band of Gold" - She is so soulful! This performance was as golden as the ring she sang of, solid and strong! All the judges loved it, and I loved it when Simon told the booing crowd to shut up so he could finish what he was saying! (judges' pick) "Anyone Who Had A Heart" - I wasn't familiar with the song, but enjoyed the emotion she put into her crescendos and decrescendos! The judges continue to rave about her steady improvement and her strength in the battle for Idol position. I agree. (her choice) "Inseparable" - My husband just kept goin', 'Yeah, she's doin' this song good' Which really means, beautiful, perfectly executed, stellar performance, worth it's weight in the music industry. As of tonight, she has become the Queen! And based on these performances alone, she's the one to beat!

2. Ruben Studdard - (random) "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" - Tonight Ruben seemed tired, as if the whole Idol process was taking it's toll on him. In this first performance, I already began to worry about the fate of our velvet teddy bear. The albumn had a few scratches on it tonight folks! (judges' pick) "Smile" - I do love this song, but didn't necessarily agree with the judges on the perfect Ruben song. He did a sweet job and has a sweet smile, but I would've really dug Al Green's "Let's Get It On". (his choice) "If Ever Your In My Arms Again" I do love this song...probably about as much as Ryan Seacrest apparently does. Anyhow, what a sweet choice! It kinda made me look at Ruben with even more respect than before, and I was sure glad he sailed through most of it. He ended rather bumpy, but I really think his voice is in need of a break! I don't know if he'll ride on to the final show next week or not.

3. Clay Aiken - (random) "Vincent" - What?? You know...Starry, starry night...oh I don't know the words, it's a Don McClain song. Anyhow, it was just ok. Paula said he flubbed the words along the way and I was already snoring by that time. (judge's pick) "Mack the Knife" - They say he needs to shed the lounge act and then give him the perfect lounge tune! LOL Well, this boy lit the stage like a fire cracker with this old time hit and definitely made everyone forget his own memory lapse in the first song. "Unchained Melody" - Warning, following comments may not be suitable for Clay's fans!!!!!! What the heck did he just do to that gorgeous song! Like Randy, I didn't care for the arrangement, but worse, I couldn't wait for the butcher to end the song and exit stage right!!! Ok, I said it...now throw your tomatoes!

I am not even going to attempt to guess who's gonna go tomorrow. And I'm sad to report, that keeping tonight's performances only in mind, I would have to say Ruben needs to pray real hard...RIGHT NOW!

>SpaceCase<

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