Well, Adam. Here we are, another season of American Idol. Another year investing 432 hours each week to this highly addictive show and yet, we all sit around and ask ourselves the same question at the start of each new season…

“Who won last year?”

No, really. Who was it?

Adam: It was Scotty McNohat. Silly boy never took your advice and still won the whole thing. I still have “Baby lock them doors” stuck in my head.

That’s right. Darn fool. I have to admit that I haven’t spent too much of time watching the auditions, I feel a little sad about this except I don’t. However, last week I watched a whole two hours and DAMN THERE IS SOME TALENT THIS YEAR. This has piqued my interest. Now, I’m excited.

Adam: We’ve got this whole thing covered. I watched way too much of the auditions and missed all the talented people last week. And here’s what I’m wondering: will there be any singing this week? Funny clothes? Silly statements like “You can cut the intensity with a knife . . . literally.” Some dude’s literally going to cut somebody. I can’t wait!

I always knew we were a good team.

So tonight we are finally narrowing it down to 24 contestants.

Adam, I can’t decide if I’m scared if the contestants will fall into the water or if I sorta want them to. Thoughts?

Also, these intense moments of silence before telling the contestants whether or not they made is through is truly something new for American Idol.

Adam: Oh I definitely want them to fall into the water, especially since it would help break this newfound silent intensity never before seen on Idol. I say, if you don’t make the top 24? Eaten by sharks. That’s how Ryan Seacrest makes it feel it will be anyway. Let’s make it so the singers are actually singing for their lives.

Can I just say that even though i don’t care much for his nasally vocal blasts, I hope Creighton Fraker sticks around for awhile. Because I like using his name as a cussing substitute. “Chreighton FRAKER, I stubbed my toe!” I want this to last.

Adam: I’m at Neco Starr. I sure hope he makes it through. This show simply doesn’t have enough Jheri curl. Or American flag pants. Gah! He didn’t make it? Creighton FRAKER.

Now, Neco’s hair was really shiny but nothing compared to J-Lo’s green dress that reflected onto her face causing her face to turn sparkly green. I’m thinking she should have warn a nice cotton bib to stop the reflection. I should totally be a celebrity stylist.

I think it was a good decision for Niko, Necho, NECO to go. Because of the pants.

Adam: Caleb, Caleb, Caleb. How the crap do you forget the words to “Old Time Rock ‘n’ Roll”? Nobody forgets those. Just like nobody forgets Tom Cruise dancing in his underwears.

Reed Grimm is up – I like Reid, he’s super fun and his last name is actually my Mom’s maiden name so if he wins then we are totally related. But only until just after the season finale, just before he becomes old-news. Last week, when he danced, he was NOT a good dancer, sorta like Elaine Benes on Seinfeld. I like that he plays the drums, too.

Adam: Drummers are crazy. Reed Grimm makes Animal on the Muppets seem subdued. I can’t believe he’s into the top 24 except that of course he is. Crazy sells. Also? He’s really good. I gotta talk to my mom.

Adam: Random observation: why do I get the feeling that by the end of this season we’re never going to want to hear another Adele song ever? Girl’s catalog is getting abused on this show.

Really? Who’s Adele?

Adam: Okay, when they do the recap of the contestant’s entire life from birth to final Hollywood week performance? I can’t take it. Don’t show me Chelsea as a little girl and then taunt me with sending her home. That ain’t right, Steven Tyler. Whew, she’s in. My heart beats for another day.

It’s Idol’s job to toy with every emotion possible, Adam.

Adam: Baylie Brown . . . I’m still heartbroken from the time she got cut three seasons ago. I can’t watch this, Beth. Let me know what happens.

Do you seriously remember her?

Adam: Yes! And yes! No kidding. I jumped up and shrieked a little when I saw her show up this season. She was the cutest when she was on before and I really couldn’t believe she left. I don’t remember many castoffs who didn’t break the top 24, but I remember her.

Adam: Beth, I know how you feel about cowboy hats, but I’m really praying for this Richie kid to literally fall into a burning ring of fire. Burn, burn, burn, ring of fire.

I AGREE WITH YOU. But last week’s performance of his was crazy, crazy good. It has left me feeling alone and confused. Damn him. But mostly, I want him to leave and I really think last week was a fluke. Phew. I’m pretty pleased that he’s been cut and I hope he decides to never, ever try out again.

Adam: Heejun: I’m really sweating. Ryan: What are you sweating? Heejun: Mostly water.Me: I love you infinity, Heejun.He really has quite a personality. Funny fellow.Adam: I love Heejun so much I want to learn magic so I can turn him into a cinnamon roll and eat him.That may be one of the strangest things you’ve ever said here on Idol Chat.

Adam: They’re doing it again, Beth. They’re showing me Jessica, singing in the womb, and then suddenly she’s in Vegas. I’m just not comfortable with this for some reason.

I think the sensation you’re actually feeling is called OLD AGE. Watching a girl who started watching Idol at the age of five who is now trying out in Vegas is um … WE ARE SO OLD.

Adam: I wonder what it’s like to have skin so perfect that it even looks good in an ultra close-up shot in HD. I’ll have to ask Jessica that.

Now, Phil Phillips? Don’t do the Dave Matthews guitar dancing thing. It’s unpleasant.

He may not have danced very nicely with the guitar but dude can SANG.

Adam: After being sent home last year, Colton Dixon decided to pretend like he wasn’t going to audition this year. Then his sister got sent home. And then Colton pretended to be sad she wasn’t around to see him beat her out. And then I puked out my soul and choked on the intense hatred for this awful, awful piece of spoiled garbage.

Colton making it through to the top 24 is the worst thing to ever happen to a group of two dozen anythings.

So, you aren’t a fan then? I don’t appreciate what he did to my Coldplay song. That was just plain rude. But apparently you have bigger issues with him than how he sang the Coldplay song?

Adam: Brielle looks uncomfortable, but I’m not sure if it’s the pressure of the moment, the absence of her mother, or those crazy shorts. Since she made it through and reunited with her mom and still looks uncomfortable, it was obviously the shorts.

There’s really nothing fantastic about her. I don’t expect her to stick around here for too long, which is good because her Mom is orange.

Adam: This dude is an SNL character waiting to happen. He sings well enough, but I’m uncomfortable having to look at him. I’d rather watch a Jacob Lusk cry marathon than see 30 more seconds of Adam. I just have a mad case of the heebie jeebies.

Seriously, Adam? A Jacob Lusk cry marathon would be the death of me. Why do you want me to die? WHY, ADAM?

Adam: Oh look! A cliffhanger! How un-Idol of them.

You mean we won’t know if Adam will make it to the final 24 until tomorrow? Chreighton FRAKER, that sucks.

Adam: Beth, friends, country people, lend me your ears. It’s time for the all-country finale of American Idol, and just like this show that pretty much cuts to the chase, I’ll not spoil this with a lot of talk. Finally it’s just an hour-long show . . . now that I don’t want it to end. Beth, how are you feeling about this final showdown?

Fortunately, I’m not having strong feelings either way. This helps keep my blood pressure down which is important during pregnancy, you know.

Adam: Scotty gets us started with his favorite song of the season: Gone? Really? Gone? Oh, Scotty, I love you like a little twerpy brother, but I don’t think that’s the way to start the biggest night of your young life. He slightly toned down the crazy eyes, and it was fun, and I’m so glad Randy is wearing a smoking jacket. And wait . . . Idol producers decided the judges are so useless they need not comment on the performances? Agreed. They probably loved it. But I expect more from you, Scotty.

I’m so confused about the lack of commentary from the judges because, you know, that’s like, part of the show. I like the performance but because I’ve seen it before I sorta stopped paying attention. I do appreciate him decreasing his use of crazy eyes. I just hope it’s not because he’s saving them for later.

Lauren is up next, singing her favorite song of the season. Now apparently there was some drama prior to the show about her vocal chords being blown out, which makes me think … should she be a singer if that happens during rehearsals? Also? This show is so weird tonight.

I enjoyed Scotty’s performance but I would have enjoyed it more with a cowboy hat. Why does he hate cowboy hats? Anyway, he sounded good. Tonight’s Idol feels like it’s on speed. I’m too old for all of this fast movement. HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO KNOW WHO IS IN IT TO WIN IT?!?!?!

Lauren just sang “Maybe it was Memphis,” a song choice by her Idol, Carrie Underwood. I thought it was a good performance, nothing spectacular. But good. I wanted to balance a cup of coffee on her skirt. That was a fun thought.

OKAY, the judges are speaking…shhhh….shhhh….shhhh….okay, it’s confirmed, both Scotty and Lauren are in it to win it. *phew* Thanks, Randy.

Oh now, see? I really loved this performance by Scotty. Maybe it was the screens showing his journey? Maybe it was the smoke? Maybe it was Memphis? Whatever it was, I loved it. And maybe you didn’t. heh.

Well, Lauren just stole the show with her performance of “Like my Mother does.” Whoa. Amazing. And her Mom and her Dad hugging afterward probably made me cry. She did really well. And I’m probably still crying but luckily J-Lo’s boobs are distracting me so you know. There’s that.

Adam: Hmm . . . I don’t know. I mean, I definitely agree with part of that, but I didn’t think that was fair. The vocal wasn’t nearly as amazing as the moment of singing a song to her mother. That was amazing. But the singing was just alright. To me, that’s cheating and contrived and probably awesome enough to win. Even now, I’m not sure I can remember how the song goes. Again I say Hmm.

I don’t know what to say about this week’s performance show. I understand now that they muted the judges in the beginning to cram in way too much in a one hour period. I can honestly say that this was one of the most disappointing night of performance I have ever seen. (aside from the night with Clay and Ruben. That was bad.)

I’m still going to say that thanks to the teeny bopper vote, Scotty’s going to win.

Adam: Okay, my final prediction: I think Lauren wins in what was probably the most underwhelming (though not as infuriating as last year’s) finale in Idol history.

Adam: Oh. My. Sashafierce. Beth, we’re down to three cute-as-a-button finalists (I mean, really, have you seen a cuter bunch of wanna-be rock stars in your life?), and they are being mentored by Beyonce. Between her and J-Lo (who looks like she’s gradually morphing into an engagement ring, a look that draws no complaints from this couch) America is about to be curved to death. It’s two hours of hometown greetings, judges’ song selections, and who knows what else. Beth, what are your expectations for tonight?

I expect a lot, Adam. I expect you to make me laugh, a lot. I expect Randy to say “in it to win it” at least nine times and I expect to hear Haley over-growl throughout her songs. And now that you mention it, J-Lo does look like an engagement ring. She’s such a trendsetter. (please pause while I run up to tease my hair STRAIGHT UP IN THE AIR.)

Adam: Amazed by Lonestar was probably Scotty’s most ambitious song choice all season, and easily his best performance. Really. Wow. So since his delivery was too flawless for me to comment on, let me give him some constructive criticism: Scotty, when you are in the presence of Beyonce, singing a love song, LOOK INTO HER BEAUTIFUL FACE AND SING. Closing your eyes and looking away all cowboy hatless? Please.

I love this song and I love it when Scotty is singing a song that doesn’t cause him to make crazy eyes. And did you notice? He barely held his mic like it was a flute? He sounded good. I’m glad he’s still in the competition.

Lauren is starting her first of 3 songs with Wild One. And maybe she ran laps before hitting the stage or she forgot how to breathe or um…um..umm…I don’t know. But this song seemed too fast for her. She couldn’t keep up and she sounded a little wimpy with her vocals. I’m sad because I expected more. Maybe she’ll start believing in herself before the next two songs.

Adam: All I can figure is that Lauren is overcome with nerves. It makes sense, it being the biggest moment of her life and all. But right now the moment is bigger than Lauren. I’m generally not a fan of the upbeat songs, especially this late in the game. You sing fast, you have to sing super strong. That wasn’t even kinda strong.

Haley is getting the Led out. That’s a bold move. It seems like she knew it was bold and wanted to let the boldness of her choice carry her through the song. And she forgot to really let it rip AND THEN SHE FELL OH NOES! Well. They say it’s all in how you pick yourself up after you fall. She did that. Uh . . . Beth?

I actually really liked this performance and the fact that she fell, just made me like it more. I mean, it’s not that I’m going to vote for her now but I’m closer to it. Oh and her Dad playing the guitar? Probably made me cry. Stupid pregnancy hormones.

Round Two is beginning with Scotty singing a song that Jimmy has chosen. (confession: I have no idea who this Jimmy character is but he keeps coming back every single week, so I guess he’s important.) So, he’s singing “Are you going to kiss me or not.” I’m really happy that he has his guitar tonight. And the lyrics to this song are so sweet and beautiful that I’m probably crying again. Here’s the thing, vocally, he sounded pretty good, totally believable, I could see him performing this on stage but he MUST STOP WITH THE CRAZY EYES. Either way, Scotty is a performer. Loved it.

Adam: Scotty kills me with the innocence. I’m glad Jimmy picked a song with some hormones in it, because if Scotty is really going to take over the hearts of America’s teeny boppers in a Bieber kind of way, those tweens need to believe he wants to be more than friends. They do now. Who cares how he sang it? (Just alright for me, but that’s cool.)

I thought Lauren’s song was cute and she’s so cute. Now, it’s possible that in the middle of the performance I decided to check the Bull’s game and saw that Lebron James had three fouls and then I started thinking about how I have such a crush on him. Which makes things hard because, you know, I want the Bulls to win. Either way. She did mess up in the song but that’s okay. Haley fell.

So, Haley is singing Rhiannon by Steve Nicks which is, of course, a classic. I’m not sure she did it justice, however. I was distracted by the lower register in the beginning and then a windstorm came through and began throwing her hair around. It was so bizarre. No really. I think she’s doing really well. I enjoyed this performance.

The judges’ pick for Scotty is old school, Kenny Rogers’ She Believes in Me. Son, welcome to the finals. At some point, I’ll get sick of seeing Jennifer sing along with the contestants, but I haven’t reached that point quite yet. She’s such a cutie. As for Scotty’s performance, it was free of crazy eyes and full of crazy good.

First, I’m disappointed that this could be Scotty’s last performance on Idol and he is not wearing a cowboy hat. Doesn’t he read my blog? Doesn’t he know that I know everything? ugh. Poor kid. Second, he did great. Definitely a different song for him but he totally pulled it off. I do hope we see him next week.

Lauren is singing “I hope you dance.” This song has some big notes. I hope she gets gutsy and hits those notes. And she did. Made me reconsider if those notes were as big as I remembered. or maybe I’m distracted by the BIG dress. No matter, she sounded really good. Nice job, Lauren.

I do agree that from the minute she read her text, I thought “hmmm…I wonder how they’ll clean this song up.” And they did. Mostly. It is really hard to look past her stumble over the lyrics but the end was a million times better than the beginning. She wound up pulling it off. Good job, Haley. Now, get off the stage. I’m tired.

Adam, who do you think will be voted off?

Adam: Up until the last song, I thought Lauren would get out-countried by Scotty. But I think the judges may have put Haley in an impossible position with that last song. I’ll say Haley is out.

Well, I think Lauren. Now, I’ve never been right, but I have a feeling about this one. I think.

Maybe.

What do you guys think?

Yep. Four contestants. James, Haley, Lauren and Scotty.

Most importantly: NOT JACOB.

Tonight, Lady Gaga graces our screens as the Idol’s mentor. I sometimes like her songs but under general everyday conditions, I try to avoid making any type of contact with her. Mainly, my eyes to her.

Adam, I heard you’re a big fan of Gaga’s. Is this true or just a nasty rumor?

Adam: Beth, I really have no idea what I feel about Lady Gaga. There are times when she makes me want to eat my own fingernails and other times when I think she’s adorably amazing. (For the record, I don’t actually ever eat my fingernails.) Anyway, I’m excited to see what tonight holds. (I swear, no nail eating.)

James starts us off with a rockin’ rendition of “Don’t Stop Believing.” And while I’m certain the judges will love it, I’m just going to say that I found it completely safe. The song? It’s an easy sing, even for us shower singers and who doesn’t tap their toes to that beat? This performance proves to me that he would struggle in the Top 40. Let alone the Top 3. I’m hoping the next performance is miles better.

Adam: Ironically, I just two days ago absolutely nailed my shower performance of this song, I kid you not. My best ever. James, however, delivered what might be the single most boring performance of this song in the history of narcolepsy. Awful. He hit some difficult notes. Hooray, James. It sucked. I have two requests: 1) Idol contestants, stop talking to the audience during your songs. And judges, don’t compliment such garbage. Be forewarned, Beth, I am seriously angry at the judges tonight.

One reason I’m seriously angry at the judges? J-Lo and Randy ripped a vastly superior performance by Haley (Michael Jackson’s top-selling hit in the UK, by the way). It’s not my favorite MJ song, but I loved the performance. I know you’re no fan of Haley’s, Beth, and that’s okay. Jennifer and Randy are absorbing every ounce of my ire tonight. And maybe a couch cushion or two.

Luckily for Haley, Adam and I both love Michael Jackson. I wonder if she knows this information? Do you think she’s reading our emails, trying to get on our good side? Anyway. I ADORE, LOVE, WANT TO KISS this song. When Michael sings it. Not that I think Haley did a poor job, but she sounds like she’s crying during the first part and then turns into the throat-singing. There was much too much throat-singing. Overall, I didn’t hate it.

I’m glad Steven is a good judge tonight.

Scotty is up next. I’m not sure what song he’s singing but I know it’s by Alan Jackson. Oh, Scotty, he sounds so nice and country. And this song is so dramatic and sad and does a good job roping us into the emotion he’s feeling but dammit all, Scotty. COWBOY. HAT.  He sounded good. Maybe a little safe. But good. No real complaints. So wait? Scotty was seven on September 11, 2001. whoa.

Adam: We’re down to the final 5 contestants, but lest we think we could kick our feet up and lounge through a nice and easy night, Beth, Idol is doubling up the performances for another 90 minutes of Seacrest-led fun. Jennifer seems to think it will be a Alabama wedding from 1988, by the way, but the look works for her. One quick note: these people better bring it. I’m not happy about Casey leaving, but all in all, I don’t think anyone has distinguished themselves as deserving of the title. So tell me, Beth, do you think as I do that if Casey James was in this year’s competition that he would win the whole thing?

I am pretty annoyed that Casey was voted off, I think he should have won, but now my biggest goal is making sure Jacob and Haley DO NOT WIN. But mostly Jacob. Can he be voted off every week? That would be awesome.

Adam: James Durbin starts off with a 30 Seconds to Mars song, his current selection (a ’60s song will follow). I thought it was pretty shaky, just not the powerhouse vocal I’m used to hearing from James. I don’t get it. I think he could do better, but you know what? He should have. This isn’t a performance I will remember. Unless I’m trying really hard to remember what it’s like to be disappointed.

I like James pretty okay, although, I’m getting pretty tired of his metal pushing and also, his voice got lost with the background singing a few times. It was a safe song. I’m not totally impressed.

Jacob is up next. Sometimes I picture the rare person who doesn’t watch Idol turning to the show, accidentally. I did for this performance and I envisioned this poor person seeing Jacob on stage and cringing and yelling at the TV, “who the hell is that? and why is there so much smoke?” And then finding out that this was American Idol and never watching Idol again. I am sorry but that was the pitchiest song I have EVER heard on Idol. Wow. And he is not a very good dancer.

Adam: It’s always weird to me when someone sings a duet all alone. This performance? So not the exception. Jacob sounded awful. Though, to be fair, I don’t know how we can expect Jacob to sing with no air. (Also, Jacob, please don’t . . . touch yourself anymore on stage, k? Gracias.)

Lauren right now is the contestant I’m expecting the most from. I want tonight to be her Jordin Sparks Broken Wing moment. Hopefully her second song gives her that chance, because this one? Total ugh-a-thon. Apparently there’s still no air up on the stage, because Lauren seemed like she was gasping through that Carrie Underwood number. The judges heard a different song than I did. I like her, and I liked her voice, but the song, fast-paced as it was, just bored me rapidly.

Wow, Adam. I actually disagree with you on this one. I felt Lauren’s performance was nice and lively. I definitely saw some Carrie Underwood in her – which is a very good thing. I liked this performance and she looked beautiful.

Scotty McCreery is taking the stage. I have to tell you that when he was in the final two last week, I thought, “no, he needs to keep going.” I’m a fan of his. It’s official. And when he puts on a cowboy hat? FORGET ABOUT IT. I loved this performance. It was fun, not a safe choice, at all. I could totally see him in concert. But he must, must, must stop with the crazy-eyed faces. LOVED THIS PERFORMANCE.

Adam: I loved Scotty running off the stage and into the judges circle. That was cool. His stage presence has made a quantum leap from where he was at the beginning of this season. But that song kinda bored the crap out of me. I didn’t hate it. I just felt like, eh, that was kind of fun, for a high school talent show. But I don’t even know if it deserved to win a high school talent show. Make it memorable, people! Sorry.

Haley singing new Lady Gaga? That’s a bold move by the spider woman. From the opening note, this performance was ten times better than the outfit (and I’m not vehemently opposed to the outfit). I wasn’t wild about the way the song ended with a bunch of yeah-yeah’s and repetition, but for the most part, I think Haley showed off her maturity and massive pipes. The judges are sharing Steven Tyler’s $23 million worth of blow. Haley rocked. She’s this year’s Alison Iraheta.

Adam, have you and I ever disagreed so much? Jimmy offered Haley some pretty bad advice to Haley. Which is okay with me because I want her to disappear. The good news is that while she sang, I ate a bowl of triple chocolate peanut butter ice cream that was so good it almost killed me.

So, James Durbin is up for round two, he patted down his hair, took off his motorcycle jacket and is now Josh Grobin on stage. Weird. The beginning of this song started rough, very flat. And then he missed a few notes and then his voice cracked and well, I basically wanted to stab this performance. There’s a lot of crying going on this year. And not just by me sitting on my couch wishing these people would hurry up. But by the performers. I’m not sure how I feel about that.

Adam: Ha, I loved this performance like crazy. I liked it even more than the version Moroccan and Monroe’s mom did. I don’t like the melodramatic posturing in the production and even James’ comments afterward, but I loved the emotion during the song. I even thought his power note was one of the most controlled he’s delivered all season. Amazing. Now I’m taking him seriously as a contender.

So James sent the sappy, tear-filled ballad and Jacob breaks out the Nazareth power ballad? Okay. Let’s see what happens.Oh, look! It’s Jacob making a caricature of himself! I think it’s about time someone lets Jacob in on the joke that is his American Idol career. It’s not the amazing thrill ride he thinks it is.

Oh, Adam. I’m so happy to be in agreement with you, once again. Yes. Jacob has a good voice. Yes. He sings with emotion. But it’s the tone of his voice that I can’t stand. I do not think he’s one of the best singers to step foot on the Idol stage and whoever is voting for him, please stop.

Lauren is singing Unchained Melody, I like this song but it’s so overdone. I’m interested to hear how/if she can change it up. Vocally, she sounded good. But she played it so safe in the end. She definitely could have hit some power notes in the end but she chose not to, which disappoints me.

Adam: Beth, I totally and completely agree. I felt like Lauren took us all out to dinner, laughed at our jokes, batted her eyelashes, told us her dreams, looked deeply into our eyes, took us right to her door, and then . . . gave us a peck on our collective cheek and closed the door in our faces. Uh, good night, Lauren. I had a swell time.

Elvis Presley? Willie Nelson? Scotty McCreery. You Were Always on My Mind was the perfect song choice, if for no other reason than that he wasn’t tempted to make crazy eyes at us. I’m tempted to say it wasn’t as powerful as I wanted it to be, but I think that’s just because I turned the volume down to keep from waking up my 7 year old again.

I very much enjoyed Scotty’s performance. I didn’t realize how much until about half way through I realized that I was listening, intently, watching, completely. That’s a pretty good sign. Usually, within the first 20 seconds, I’m dreaming of sitting in a bucket of nachos. But not this time.

Haley sang The House of the Rising Sun. I had a feeling, during the a cappella moments, that she would get a standing O from the judges tonight. She did a really nice job, which is hard for me to admit because well, it’s Haley. But I can’t deny it. But here’s the thing, she needed this performance after that first one. So basically she’s back at zero.

Adam: If you’d like to download any of tonight’s performances from iTunes, all royalties will go to Haley. BECAUSE SHE OWNS. I’m gonna go vote now.

Because I want to be voted off, I’m going to say Haley will be going home this week.

Adam says: Jacob. And if it’s not Jacob, it had better be Jacob..