[collie1228]

Frankly I originally though Jacob Lusk would be a final three finalist, but I'm afraid a lot of people must have heard his comment at the end of his performance Wednesday, landing him in the bottom three. Just my opinion - but you probably won't win over many voters by telling them "If I am in the bottom three after this performance, it just means America is not ready to look at themselves in the mirror". Wow - at the least it was cocky; at worst sanctimonious.

[Number 6]

The judges used their one save to keep Casey in the top eleven. Now they are upset that Pia was voted off. If they want to know whose fault that was, they should look in the mirror. Where is Cowell when we need him?

[Shirleevee]

Originally Posted by redwitch

It amazed me that the judges didn't "get" it. Jalo (how do you spell that?)tells her she needs to learn how to move on stage (very, very true) and then is angry when she's sent home. HUH??? To me, it was very much between Pia and Stefano. They never really connected in my mind. That Jacob was in the bottom three surprised. I really thought his performance was pretty darn close to great. Loved Scotty's Elvis.

This group is exceptional in my mind. Once Stefano goes (soon, I hope), fans are going to be hard-pressed to send someone home. If I had to predict, it will Stefano leaving next week; then Paul, Jacob, Lauren and Casey. Right now, my vote goes to Scotty for the top spot but James will always have a special spot in my heart.

As much as I love her voice, I thought Pia and Stefano and Jacob would be the bottom three. My feeling is that they do not connect with that 18-39 y.o., age group that Nielsen ratings cancels my favorites show for. With that in mind Stefano will be next..........

[mikeandnancy1112]

My husband and I agree completely with you, Redwitch. Scotty is the best and James is amazing!

Originally Posted by 2BNTV

At the beginning of last night's show, as Ryan Seacrest said the results would be shocking, I got a feeling that Pia was the one that would be sent home. To find Jacob in the bottom three was another surprise.

I hope that Pia will still find a way to become a star like Jennifer Hudson did.

Bad News -The American public has spoken and I don't agree that Pia should have been the one to go. I am very disappointed in the voting.

Good news - This will save me a lot of television viewing time as I have lost confidence the most talented person will win.I will tune into the final show show to see if Jacob is still a contestant.

It's just my opinion.

American Idol? American Idol? It should be named teenie bopper idol.The voters wouldn't know talent if it bit them in the a## !

[barb1191]

My choice was Scotty from the very start; he's got it all and will do well.

[marybb]

Very disappointed Pia voted off, amazing voice,. I'm sure she will be picked up by some label. Hope James wins. Jacob has a great voice, for broadway.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Number 6

The judges used their one save to keep Casey in the top eleven. Now they are upset that Pia was voted off. If they want to know whose fault that was, they should look in the mirror. Where is Cowell when we need him?

Exactly.

Originally Posted by collie1228

I still like AI, but there are two problems with the show that may end up being its downfall. One is the judges, who aren't doing anyone, audience or contestants, any favors. Fawning over every contestant just doesn't cut it . I'll say it again, they need another Simon Cowell

[Russ_Boston]

AI would never change the voting structure since they are still a #1 show. Let's not forget that this is not about them signing a talent, it's about the television ratings. They can still sign the talent even if that person loses.

But if they really wanted to have the least talented person go every week then just change the voting to 'vote out the least talented'. That way there would be a consensus most likely. This is what they do on Survivor until the last vote.

Or...

They could still vote for their favorite but have that vote be 50% and the judges be 50% (I think this is what they do Dancing with the Stars). This would insure no early off for the most clearly talented. Seems to work on "Dancing".

[Freeda]

I like most of the singers that have made it this far; I think Paul was the right choice to be eliminated tonight.

It's interesting to see how Casey's beard and hair have become a little more refined each week. He is a terrific performer.

I'm still pulling for Jacob as my favorite to win; but there are several others who I think are also in the running; my top two picks to win are Jacob and James.

[barb1191]

Still rooting for Scotty; truly the best.....voice, personality and stage presence.

[barb1191]

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

AI would never change the voting structure since they are still a #1 show. Let's not forget that this is not about them signing a talent, it's about the television ratings. They can still sign the talent even if that person loses.

But if they really wanted to have the least talented person go every week then just change the voting to 'vote out the least talented'. That way there would be a consensus most likely. This is what they do on Survivor until the last vote.

Or...

They could still vote for their favorite but have that vote be 50% and the judges be 50% (I think this is what they do Dancing with the Stars). This would insure no early off for the most clearly talented. Seems to work on "Dancing".

There's a tremendous incentive for hitting #1 and with that goes something like one million dollars (not sure of the amount other than it's sizeable) and a contract.

[collie1228]

Last night when Paul got the boot, there were no tears from the judges or from him - he seemed very comfortable with where he finished in the contest. I happen to think he was overdue to leave, but he showed a lot of class in losing. Strangely, I was rooting for Stephano, who I've never liked all that much, but who I thought had the best performance on Tuesday. The kid is coming around, but it's looking more and more like AI is Scotty's to lose. I just wish he'd try something out of his comfort level.

[RichieLion]

Originally Posted by collie1228

Last night when Paul got the boot, there were no tears from the judges or from him - he seemed very comfortable with where he finished in the contest. I happen to think he was overdue to leave, but he showed a lot of class in losing. Strangely, I was rooting for Stephano, who I've never liked all that much, but who I thought had the best performance on Tuesday. The kid is coming around, but it's looking more and more like AI is Scotty's to lose. I just wish he'd try something out of his comfort level.

Country music is bigger than ever. That's why I believe you'll see Scotty and Lauren facing off in the finale.

Even Randy tells Scotty not to try to fix what ain't broken.

At this point music careers for these talented kids won't depend on their ranking in this contest. If it's meant to happen, it will. Except for Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, the most successful contestants have not been the winners.

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by RichieLion

Country music is bigger than ever. That's why I believe you'll see Scotty and Lauren facing off in the finale.

Even Randy tells Scotty not to try to fix what ain't broken.

At this point music careers for these talented kids won't depend on their ranking in this contest. If it's meant to happen, it will. Except for Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, the most successful contestants have not been the winners.

Agree on all points Richie.

I agree, Barb, that being #1 might be an incentive but that hasn't hurt Daughtry or Hudson or McPhee or Pickler or others. But yes the 1M is a nice way to begin your career.