It was an American Idol rarity this week: The judges saving Matt a week ago led to two Idol hopefuls heading home on Wednesday. Suddenly, a hefty group of seven has become a much slimmer top five. Was Matt spared another week, or was it his turn (again) to be voted off? Did Simon's prediction that this week would be the end of the road for Lil come true? Is America as into dark horse Kris Allen Read more

"I think America's gonna have a tough call, but I think I know who's going to leave," Quentin Tarantino said in the opening minutes of Wednesday's American Idol elimination episode. I wonder how this week's guest mentor is feeling now that he knows who fell to the bottom of the heap after this week's movie-themed episode. Did he guess right? Did you? And did the much-discussed but not yet used Read more

Normally when I say something like this, it would be sarcastic — but truly that was a pretty action-packed American Idol results show on Wednesday night. Three contestants from the third group of 12 advanced straight to the top 12, and the judges named the eight finalists who will return and sing for their lives tomorrow. So whose Idol journey ended and whose may still continue? Just read Read more

Depending on your perspective, the American Idol finale is either the best two hours ever or the most excruciating two hours of your year. Either way, it never fails to be a kind of crazy, psychedelic blend between a televised award ceremony and a giant Ford commercial that brings the season's contestants back to the stage for one last time (until the tour that is). America smashed all Idol Read more

We're down to six on American Idol, which means one of the smiling faces above won't be around for Andrew Lloyd Webber week. Which singer won't be gracing the Idol stage again? For the answer, just read more Read more

Country week always must claim a victim on American Idol, and Wednesday night, we found out who couldn't survive singing a Dolly Parton cover. Was your prediction right? To find out and talk about it, just read more Read more

In some ways, it's kind of funny that American Idol makes such a big deal out of who makes it into the top 12. There's no real prize for it; you don't get to go on tour or anything. I guess you get to make Ford "music videos" and do more group sings, but are those rewards, really? Nonetheless, the top 12 is always a milestone in any Idol season, and on Thursday we learned which of the 16 people Read more

Thursday's American Idol elimination was a surprisingly emotional one. The guys' side lost someone whom I'd assumed would be around a whole lot longer, but the real drama came with the ladies. Talent-wise, I don't think either of the two should have gone home — even though I figured one of them would. These early rounds can be such a roller coaster. Have you learned your lesson, America? To Read more

Things sure do move fast in these early voting rounds of American Idol. Just like that, we're down to 20. The first elimination took place Thursday night, and I can't say I was shocked at any of the contestants who were dismissed. Who's gone? For that, you're going to have to read more Read more