Delayed re-cap - it is a long one.

Even major Idol followers like me have to work to make a living, so unfortunately a work trip took me away from my TV this week. But this gives me the opportunity to give my thoughts on Idol's Top 3 show and results.



Priscilla Presley was in the audience as well as a guy in a dog costume.


3 rounds of competition, Judge's choice, contestant's choice and Jimmy Iovine's choice. Beyonce joins to mentor their personal choices. Beyonce should have taken off her bangles.


Round one, Scotty does Amazed. Good rendition, his voice sounded strong, but the corniness takes away from it for me. The poses, the looks, charming for some, too much for me. Lauren does Wild One by Faith Hill. Not a well known song, but she does have fun with it. Still gets afraid at the end and you can see it in her eyes. Haley sings Zeppelin and her father plays the guitar. I don't even know this song, but her skill is fantastic. It is so natural. She falls up the steps but it doesn't even phase her. Randy and Steven stand. Steven says, "It's not about how many times you fall, it's about how you pick yourself up." Round 1 goes to Haley from me and the judges. And her Dad is super cool. Scotty B+, Lauren B, Haley A


Round two, from Jimmy. He gives Scotty Thompson Square's Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not? Great new song that is a duet in real life. Scotty mellows out with this one, not as stylized. Still not the winner for me in terms of vocals, but he is fun. Judges go bonkers for it (surprise, surprise) and JLo asks Scotty to shave his already shot hair shorter. Whatever.

Looking back on Lauren's audition, what audacity she had. Oh if she can show that again even tonight. Jimmy picks If I Die Young by The Band Perry. One of my current favorites. She does a really nice job showing of her voice. Confidence is improved and her tone is strong. I still think she needs some training to hit those high notes, but that can be done.

Jimmy picks Rhiannon by Stevie Nicks for Haley. A little dark and moody, maybe not exciting enough of an option. The wind machine was something, that's for sure. Steven says Lauren took Round 2, JLo and Randy says it went to Scotty. I give it to Lauren. Jimmy gives them all props. Wow, that was Neil Sedaka sitting next to Jimmy the whole time? Scotty A-, Lauren A, Haley B+

Round three: Judges pick She Believes in Me by Kenny Rogers. Cheesy overload. I can't believe how young he is though. Maybe he will lose the cheese as he comes into his own? I thought it was strained and flat. Judges loved that he stretched himself. (no note on the strain?) Cute moment with his Dad.

Judges pick I Hope You Dance by LeeAnn Womack for Lauren. Oh, never heard that on this show before. Judges really love cheese. Beautiful tone to her voice. And then she switches it up at the end. I've always loved Lauren's vocal instincts. The way she hits notes and inflects with them is really beautiful. JLo gives her the round already (not mean to Haley at all), Randy talks about LeeAnn being a good friend, Steven also notes LeeAnn is a good friend of his. He is so happy. She does look gorgeous.

Judges give Haley Alanis Morisette's You Oughta Know. I think they made an egregious error here. This is a family show, you do not give her the angriest female rant ever. She had to change the lyrics to make it appropriate, and the song is a power screaming song. Of course she can sing it amazingly well, but it just makes her look mean. Well, maybe that is what they wanted to do. They gave her props for singing, but I think their choice is what led to the results.

I give round three to Lauren. Steven gives it to Haley, JLo and Randy give it to Lauren.

Re-cap on my scores.
Scotty B+, Lauren B, Haley A
Scotty A-, Lauren A, Haley B+
Scotty B, Lauren A, Haley A-
Lauren won the night, Haley in second and Scotty as always last. I wish Haley's first song could have been last, it would have helped her a lot.

Results episode. I already know what happened, but here are some thoughts. Jimmy immediately calls that Scotty makes it in. Cute going home piece with Haley, bad cheesy performance by Il Divo -- now that Simon Cowell is gone, why do we need to listen to this group he put together?

Cue to Scotty's outrageous hometown visit. Was sweet to see him break down. And then my worst nightmare happened. I have been comparing Scotty to a cheap knock off of Josh Turner and was sure Josh would not be into this weak comparison. And then, lo and behold, Josh pops up right beside Scotty and sings alongside him. Smart move for Josh who will get added numbers from Scotty, but disappointing for me. And then the God Bless America, God Bless Scotty sign. Wow.

That Nicole Sherzinger performance was not appropriate for anyone. Sweet home visit with Lauren seeing the devastation of the tornadoes. Results and Scotty is first through. I thought Steven didn't look to thrilled. Then Lauren is called in. Oh my Haley, you have had to fight your way through every week and you know what? You did it. You sang like a champ. Did Scotty or Lauren get the incredulous reactions from the judges that Haley did? Yes they were praised, but man Haley blew even Randy away this season. No doubt in my mind.

Now please XIX give her a great deal and producer, so she can keep going. Well now, moving to next week, let's all give it up for LAUREN!!!!!!!!!!!! Steven Tyler and my original pick to win. Let's make it happen people!

Let me also note a farewell to Oprah Winfrey. So I've watched almost all episodes this finale season as well as the behind the scenes. Gotta tell you, I am either going through some sort of hormone dysfunction or that show can make a girl cry. I'm not a fan of her indulgent side (promoting the types of people she likes or those who are on her new network) but the
emotional pull of her guests, topics and words can really get to a person. Excited to have shared in the final season of this cultural institution and I admit that I am watching Shania and Fergie's shows for sure on OWN. Wonder what the last episode will be?

Alright, you've heard enough from me! On to next week. It's gonna be a doozy.

Don't be ashamed of your obsessions...or in my case for YELLING at the cable company because AGAIN my DVR did not record Idol this week. I just spent 4 hours downloading illegally to watch, FYI.