I agree with you, BF. . .except I would say that I used to "love" this show, but this season is just "okay" and I watch more because my son wants to than because I do. They will have to get someone pretty amazing to replace Simon for me to stick with it next year, unless I can't convince my son to give it up!

Are we certain that there will be a next year?

No, but I can't imagine Fox pulling the plug without at least giving it a shot without Simon. It is not the ratings juggernaut it once was, but I'm sure it is still pulling in a lot of viewers (and advertising $) for them.

Indeed!

http://en-us.nielsen.com/rankings/insights/rankings/television

I think they will have it one more year and see what happens. It's so popular and AI does so much, like, Idol gives back.

I am too, except for the two that aren't named "Crystal Bowersox"

You're right, past tense is better for me too. Ryan is really getting on my nerves, and I like most of the contestants, but I don't love any of them.

Wow, it's getting more viewers than I thought. Crushing Survivor.

i THINK i read that FOX renewed Idol for another 5 years....

Happy with the top 3....curious (as always) to see what song the judges pick for the kids....and what weepy antham the lucky two will have to sing as the coronation song.

For me, the best year of Idol Antham was the year of the Davids with the aspiring writers and the idol was able to choose from a pre-selected group of songs....they didn't sing the same one...and i think their choice told us a lot about the kind of musician they would be....in hindsight...it was pretty accurate!

Last year's song...disaster. even Adam and Kris wore a look of "I can't believe i have to sing this"....

I think last year's song was written for Danny Gokey

Last years song was written by Kara. go figure

That song has to be in the top three of "lamest songs ever written".

Actually, I'm pretty sure Scott Stapp has a hand in all of the top three "lamest songs ever written".

(There is a glorious YouTube video of [censored]-show Scott Stapp's unsolicited song he wrote for the Florida Marlins. Want a laugh? Check it out. I'm pretty sure he filmed it in his garage.)

AI should find a way to fit in Holy Wars by Megadeth.

I'd like to see Casey play lead guitar on that!

If you guys want to know what songs the judges picked, it's 'out there'...it was leaked in the last couple of days.

I read them on ew.com, if you can't wait until tomorrow to find out. For what it's worth, I only liked one of the three choices (Ellen's for Crystal).

I saw that and I agree - Crystal's song is the best. I didn't even recognize the song chosen for Casey.

I'm annoyed that they're trying so desperately to turn Casey accoustic. I thought the thing they loved so much about him was the SRV Texas Blues leanings. Jeez! Give the guy something electric!!

I think they're trying to engineer either a Crystal or Lee win. Lee would be more marketable, but Crystal is something they've never had before.

It really does not matter who wins. Frankly, it's easier for the runners up to become winners after the show.

I'm hoping for a Lee win, even though he's my least favorite of the three.

I don't want Crystal to be under the Idol umbrella, and I want Casey to be the front man in a band. Lee is the most pop, so he's a better fit.

No matter wins, their first album will suck.

I agree with Casey being better in front of a band. He should get booted tonight just to give him a better chance at success on his own.

aren't the contestants in the top 12 pretty much owned by AI anyway?

I thought that AI had a hand in their early careers, more control over them if you will

Wait, American Idol is still on the air? I thought it ended when Sanjina got voted off...??

Dunno - probably. But Daughtry got booted and made out better in the long rung because it let him front a band instead of doing the usual Idol c@rp. Have any of the winners but Carrie ever had a decent 1st album? I know I haven't bought any of them....but I haven't really liked any of the winners but Kelly.

The artists who go out earlier get more time to get their CD out and less hand holding than the winner, allowing them more control of the product.

How would you like to hear either Lee or Casey sing "Werewolves of London" by Warren Zevon?