I admit it, I fell asleep after finding out that AI was not going to air in its regular time slot. At times I feel the networks don’t give a crap what happens to West Coast viewers. By the time all this “war” stuff broke out it was past prime time on the East Coast so who cares, right? Survivor went on as scheduled, no surprise there, but AI did not, and I went to bed.

So I’m doing something unique here. I’ll tell you how I rated the 11 remaining contestants based on movie night. Then I’ll blindly say who I think should have gotten canned last night, fully realizing that someone already has been. Am I weird or what?

Corey Clark sang “Against All Odds” in his high pitch tone. I’m running out of words to describe how bad this guy is. Simon used “painful” and I think that pitiful says it better. He held a white towel during his performance and I found myself wishing he would throw it in. It is a wonder he has made it this far.

Ruben Studdard was fantastic with “A Whole New World” and found a song that fit right into his groove. I haven’t liked his attitude, and last week his singing wasn’t great, but this week was flat out awesome. Simon called him “sensational” and that’s a good word for what he was.

Trenyce tried to go Whitney Houston with “I Have Nothing” and unfortunately she had nothing. Her dress was unflattering and she seemed nervous. Gladys Knight praised her, but all Simon could muster was that she was “much better” than last year’s contestants. Last week I said she hit her high point, and I think she has fallen to the middle of the pack.

Clay Aiken delivered “Somewhere Out There” and I say he was pretty decent. Simon went out and called him the “one to beat” and quipped that “I just love songs about mice”. Let’s face it, this kid has support of the judges and voters, and more importantly has a great voice. He’s in it to win it.

Kimberly Caldwell tried out Cher’s “Shoop, Shoop” song. It was horrific. First, the background sound ruined it, and she couldn’t save it. Simon said he could see that performance at “any theme park” and he was right on the money. Her skirt made out of rags was ugly and the only thing she has is a loyal following of deaf teenage boys who lust after her. March on Kimberly, but you’re not winning it all.

Joshua Gracin has apparently missed being deployed to the little Iraq bombing. I can’t help but laugh knowing that this was arranged. You don’t think he would really be told he has to go, do you? Regardless, his “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” was kick ass. First of all, the timing of the song harkens back to Aerosmith’s version in the save the world movie Armageddon, choking up emotions in the viewers and audience. Next, he delivered it in country (some country band sings this song, I’m not looking it up) and found his style. Simon used the words “fabulous” and “amazing” and it is clear that he is a front runner to win it all.

Carmen Rasmusen laid a little bit of an egg with “Hopelessly Devoted to You” by Olivia Newton John from Grease. Norcaldoll called her flat, and I called her uneven and not impressive. Simon had to defend his wild card pick by calling her a “great country singer” and saying she should join the Dixie Chicks. She has talent, but did not show it in this performance.

Charles Grigsby performed “You Can’t Win” and I couldn’t agree more. He can’t win, he shouldn’t be on the stage and he was not good at all. I like this kid, but when he pulls his Justin Guarini act (appeal to the live audience when the judges say you suck) I just shake my head. Simon’s zinger was “50,000 movies and you choose The Wiz”. Classic, although when the final contestant also chose a song from that movie (later in the show) he zipped it. Anyway, Charles should have been singing “Danger Zone” from Top Gun because that’s what he is in after two bad performances in a row.

Ricky Smith chose “It Might Be You” and I felt it was not bad, but certainly not spectacular. Simon agreed with me by saying he was “good enough to stay in” and with his followers this is probably true. Not a top contender, but still hanging around. Sort of like the San Francisco 49ers of the past few years.

Julia DeMato had a chance to shine with “What a Feeling” and she choked up. She seems tense and doesn’t know how to relax. I said she had a good start and lousy finish. Simon basically repeated my thoughts by saying the “second part was terrible”. She could return to the chopping block.

Kimberley Locke turned herself around after finishing in the bottom 3 last week. Her performance of “Home” from that best selling (I’m being sarcastic, but was it?) soundtrack The Wiz was really an improvement. Her appearance was much, much better. The dress looked better and so did her hair. She’s not a slim girl, but doesn’t need to be. Her voice took her into the middle of the pack.

Based on the fact that Kimberley and Julia were in the fire last week, I’ll say that Julia will stay there and Locke will be safe. Charles and Carmen will join them because I feel like they had the least impressive performances of those without an obvious following or judge’s support. In that scenario, I have to again say that Charles Grigsby is done. Corey Clark, Kimberly Caldwell and Ricky Smith are not great, but they have followers. We’ll see.