Who are the finalists?

I think everyone is on the same page -- Casey is going home and Lee is now the official heart of this show. Is Crystal talented? Sure. Is she original? Sure. But Lee is genuine and nervous and sweet and amateurish and there is something about him that this season needed. And after all the bs and all of the not great contestants and all the judges drama, we got what we needed from Idol -- someone to beLEEve in.

So episode opens and Ryan announces Justin Bieber and a new talent Justin Garland. I totally thought I heard the kid who has the youtube video of Paparazzi by Lady Gaga was going to be on, but it is this guy Justin. Let's see who he is.


The Top 3 come out. Casey, Crystal, Lee. Ryan talks to them about perspective of the show since the beginning. Casey says it was surreal (okay Ryan says it and he agrees). Crystal admits that she didn't know how much goes into the show (supports my theory that she thought she was better than this show). Lee once again is wide eyed and excited about how much he learned about himself doing the show. Ryan asks if any of them pictured themselves winning. Actually the best question Ryan has ever asked. Casey said he couldn't imagine it because he never thought he'd make it this far. Crystal says yes she did think about it and as much as she has enjoyed the experience, she wants to win it. Lee says he wants to win but winning seemed so far away throughout the experience but getting so close now really makes him want it. Ryan asked if taking care of personal life versus the show was hard and it was interesting how much Crystal opened up about the fact that she has real issues -- she has to take care of a 3 year old and her diabetes. Very honest.


First hometown visit -- Casey goes to Texas. Trip to Fox studios, his high school football field filled with fans, and then a hospital visit to the hospital that saved his life six years ago when he was in an accident. I forgot this had happened to him. Playing the guitar means so much more to him. I wish we saw moments like this more recently. It gives the contestants character. That is actually why Hollywood rounds and Auditions are so important -- those episodes give us emotional context.


New artist Travis Garland was found by Perez Hilton. Perez has lost a lot of weight and runs a record label now -- unbelievable. He thinks Travis is better than Justin Timberlake. Ummm not possible. Cute guy, fast forward.


Idol auditions next season are going to Jersey City -- hysterical.


Crystal heads to Toledo. She is very mature and poised. Crystal signed the chest of a hysterical fan who told her he is turning her signature into a tattoo. Visit to downtown, she got a key to the city and performed. Went to Dad's and saw her son. Then a street parade and the emotion got her. She was performing her own original songs on the road already. She wrote Holy Toledo to support Ohio. It made her cry. Note that I am not saying much commentary on this. I know a lot of people from Ohio.


Lee goes home to Chicago -- appearance at an AT&T store :), first pitch at Cubs game, visit to elementary school. These kids were going nuts! Went to the paint store. Wow they really want him to be the everyman. Visit to the paint store made him cry. Visit home. All the screaming fans reminded me of myself and Ed at the Idol finales. Okay, we're not that crazy. Okay, we are. His theme song in the performances is "The Boxer" by Simon and Garfunkel. Love it. Crying.

Justin Bieber performs. Not my cup of tea, but I think this kid has some talent. Ummm but I did fast forward because I don't care.

I am having serious issues with Lost and 24 ending this season. It upsets me.

Okay, this is it. Results. There cannot be any surprises tonight. Ryan recapped judges reactions to last night and obviously Casey is going home. First person safe? LEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank god and baby Jesus. (Don't ask where that saying comes from). Crystal is safe and the top two are exactly right. Casey is going home but once again, I don't think this is sad. I think he got a great opportunity. And he showed great moments. Who is that sweet girl her picked up? I think it's his niece. If only he could have performed Pearl Jam (Eddie Vedder would probably roll over in his grave before he allowed that) he could have had another moment for me.

Are we ready for next week? Wow another season flew by. Top 2 finale -- Crystal and Lee. As it should be. Let's clean the slate and let them battle it out. Looking forward to it! Sugarland concert this weekend -- can't wait!

Remember, no matter what other people say, don't be ashamed of your obsessions -- they are yours.