[redwitch]

I, too, miss Simon but I'll give the new judges credit -- they do tell the singers what they need to improve, just are way too gentle about it. I don't think the singers quite "hear" what is being told to them.

I love James Durbin! Pia bores me to tears. I couldn't figure out how she made it past the auditions, let alone this far. I think Casey's voice is interesting and I would definitely go to see him but I don't think he's Idol material. Scotty has a great future singing C&W and I'd definitely buy his CDs. I'm truly amazed that he is only 17 and has such poise and knows himself so well. Jacob is good and will definitely go far in the R&B field (at least he should). I definitely think the girls are way too weak this year. They are totally overwhelmed by the guys. So, my top three woulld be James, Scotty and probably Jacob. In reality, I think it will be James, Scotty and Pia. Hopefully, James will take it all.