Let’s get this out of the way first. Mario Vazquez is either gay, under contract with someone else, stupid or has a really big problem that he doesn’t feel like sharing. Whatever it is, he felt like giving up a lot by exiting the American Idol finals because now he won’t be going on tour with them as a result. I for one am not surprised because earlier in the semifinals I had him being ousted and didn’t think Nikko Smith (his replacement) would be cut last week. So we’re left with 10 of the folks I thought would be here, with Scott Savol and Lindsay Cardinale replacing Joseph Murena and Celena Rae who are both more talented but whose older look worked against them. On to the show. Atop my best four, Nadia Turner really brought it this week. Her personality still bugs me, but she burned up Dusty Springfield’s “You don’t have to say you love me” to kick of 60’s week. Anthony Fedorov tried to imitate Clay Aiken by sitting down as he sang “Breaking up is hard to do” by Neil Sedaka, and despite the sometimes mixed up judges’ opinion he gave a level performance on a night where almost everyone stunk. Constantine Maroulis made the absolute comeback of the week, drilling “You make me so very happy” and locking up another week in the mix. Vonzell Solomon didn’t impress Simon, but I thought her Dionne Warwick “Anyone who had a heart” was pretty good and she definitely looks the part. We’ll call her the anti-Fantasia.

In my middle four Carrie Underwood, as Simon so nicely puts it, knows who she is and her Everly Brothers “When will I be loved” kept her above the cut line. Jessica Sierra closed out the girls last week and opened up the finals this week with “Shop Around” by Smoky Robinson, a performance that was bad until considering the level of what followed. Anwar Robinson sang second, performing “A house is not a home” by Burt Baccarat and had the same effect. He will be around for a while, but needs to do more. Bo Bice was the weakest I have seen him, and his “Spinning Wheels” by Blood, Sweat & Tears left a lot to be desired. Perhaps it is better with his band (and electric guitars screaming) behind him.

Scott Savol kicks off the bottom four performances by killing “Ain’t too proud to beg” by The Temptations. This guy doesn’t know if he’s black or white and needs to be shown the door. Nikko Smith tried to be cute by singing “I want you back” by The Jackson Five and was a big miss. He could be in trouble. Lindsay Cardinale butchered “Knock on wood” by Eddie Floyd which is a great song. Mikalah Gordon destroyed another great song in the form of “Son of a preacher man” by Dusty Springfield. It happens every year, but hers was the worst I can remember.

WHO IS OUT? I think the love affair with Mikalah Gordon is over now that the male singers are singing on the same stage with her. Voters have to realize she has no talent, don’t they? I typically choose the bottom three and I have to believe Nikko, Lindsay and Scott will be in contention to be on the hot seat with her. If push came to shove I would have to say Scott avoids the humiliation since I have him rated #6 overall. Nikko is my #10 so he is the first sent back to the safe spot, and Lindsay (my #11) is safe for another week by the sleeve of her lingerie outfit.