This shit's getting so strange that you start to wonder if singing alone is enough to keep the Idol franchise going. In Oklahoma City, (thankfully) the last stop before the real action begins in Hollywood, Nicki Minaj is wearing weird leggings, Mariah Carey has some sort of diamond suit on, and Steven Tyler has a dress and a wig.Read more »

We make it through these early parts, Vivian and I -- the embarassing blooper reel is not the best part of a show that does, at times, actually discover talent -- and at times tosses it away. But this is where you get the first clips of someone who's going to be a household word in a few weeks, so we watch carefully.

Here's what we now know:Read more »

Before we finish off this season of surprises, I would like everyone to give it up for my stunning record of predictions -- I was wrong nearly every single week. And very wrong about the finale. I was sure poor Scotty was toast; not enough bubble-gum pop in his voice, not enough dancing, way too country. But whadya know -- Americans decided they'd pick the one with the actual talent.Read more »

I think it's all over. Scotty did the best he could with three weak, uninteresting songs, proving that he'll have a fine career as a country singer once he's out from under the iron grip of the Idol contracts. But Lauren Alaina is poised to become the least talented singer ever to win American Idol, largely because she's got the votes of all those people who have nothing better to do than sit around for four hours after the show ends and send thousands of text votes on their phones.

Oh: and because of Mom.Read more »

Six weeks ago, who could have imagined -- the American Idol final is Scotty and Lauren? Please. So many talented people gone, so little talent left ....

I like Scotty, I really do, despite the religion and the aw-shucks sheepishness. I think he's a sincere kid who will have a great career as a country music singer. But AI is supposed to showcase broad-based talent, and that's not him.Read more »