I've always hated AI...until I was flipping through the channels about three weeks ago and Elliott was getting ready to sing. Oh, My Goodness! HE has RAW talent. If there were ever a diamond in the rough to clasp onto, then this is the man. He has little to no showmanship, but he can be taught. And I suspect WILL be taught. Already, someone's counseling him. He can grow that hair and find a good dentist...and he'll have women drooling. He needs an objective ear to help him chose the right songs to sing in this contest to win it. Overall, he is just phenomenal. I was shocked with all of the other talent on the show. Chris...has honed his pipes and stones to a smooth delivery of his persona when he performs. I'm a bit concerned that he isn't multifaceted. Time will tell. Katherine has my vote for the most marketable of the women. She has talent, looks, and presence. She is still immature acting at times, but towers over Kelli's frivolous attempt at playing the Barbara Mandrell's sister Erline's type of a roll; or like June Carter played. There is money in funny, but not stupid cutesy like Kelli is trying to pan out. It seemed that Seacrest was trying to give her some sympathy time, too, to try to keep her around longer...when he had her up there seated next to him for his fireside chat. I kid you not, she's probably a better actress than singer. Listening to her say something like, "Lookeehear! I got toenail polish on and fake eye lashes!" Makes me want to say, "Darlin', cut the crap. Women are listening and they're not as stupid as you think." We all know how men can be when it comes to a hot tamale. They drool. Even Simon drools. Thank the Lord he didn't the other night. As for Mandissa, Paris, Ace, Jay...or Taylor...they're marketable to a degree. They'll certainly make the tour fun and diverse. THAT is what I believe the judges were going for when they chose this group of singers: a diverse group that would appeal to all age groups when the show is done and over and the American Idol 2006 group goes on tour.

Alisande and Lydia, I agree with everything you said. It isn't a singing competition any longer. And some of it is the judges faults for some of the people they put through and save. I won't watch til they get rid of Zoanette. And if they don't, that's fine, I just won't be watching at all. But Raven, I will be hoping for your little girl!

Not hardly the only one, Susan. Syesha is a great singer. She's another one I don't understand why people dislike her. Really bugging me to know what is going here, but I know I never will. No one will admit it, anyway. Chikeze is better than at least three other contestants - Jason, Kristy, and Ramiele. Jason is a cutie pie with a nice voice, but he's not a great singer and he's NOT a good performer at all. Kristy should have gone ages ago but taking only her performance Tuesday night, my 8 year old could have done at least as good a job with a song so beloved in the country. She, or whoever chose that song for her, was a marketing genius for that moment and kept her in the contest another week. Ramiele has either lost enthusiasm or is totally lost. The only thing I can figure must be happening is the producers are controlling the outcome or voters are not being honest with these people - true to themselves but not the contestants. So not fair at all!

I know I'm late in commenting on this but I'm so very disappointed. I thought that David A., David C. and Michael would be the top three. I just really can't see any of the girls going to the top. I liked Michael and David Cook equally, so now I'm really keeping my fingers crossed for David Cook. I really think it's way overdue for both Carly and Sayesha to leave the show. Brooke is nice but I find her very dull and not an entertainer at all. So, here I am, heartbroken over Michael being out of the competition. When Ryan made the comment that this time last season they chose to not send anyone home, I thought for sure they were going to do this with Michael. Why did Ryan even bring that up???