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.

I haven't watched as much in recent years, but they've always had the group thing, and it's probably the hardest part. There are just some people who don't know how to get along with others, and also how important it is that they do so. Not to mention remembering the words, lol! Last year, we just tried to catch Adam's performances when we could. Been watching a little more this year, and love Ellen, too! She's a positive addition, imho:-)

He's not my favourite for sure, but I can't see how David Cook can NOT win. Personality/talent/comfort on the stage combined - there's no one to beat him. I loved Syesha last night. Normally she comes across to me as quite bland and ordinary, despite the fact that she's incredibly talented and has a fantastic voice. There's just nothing different about her, I suppose. Last night, however, she shone. I think Broadway is more her thing that being a pop star. Carly and Jason are my top choices. Carly is just amazing - I love her, but she doesn't seem to have the huge fan base that a few of the others have. Jason doesn't have a huge range, and he's not terribly flexible in his styles, but I think his voice is neat and interesting, and very unique. I love listening to his version of songs. He reminds me a bit of John Denver. David A. is a great singer. I think he'll really be something in, say, 10 years or so. He doesn't seem to have a lot of confidence right now. His voice is very polished and professional, but he never really seems comfortable with himself. I think that'll hold him back. I adore Brooke. She incredibly beautiful, and she seems so sweet. I love her style, too. Very Joni Mitchell. And she is so emotional. I don't think she'll last much longer, though. I think she'll be the one to go tonight. I predict she and Jason will be the bottom 2, but Jason probably has more fans, so he'll last another week or so.

I forgot all about it.... I'm so sorry about James...but I think he'll have many oportunities ahead of him. Just hope he makes the right decisions. My choice would have been to send Scotty home first. I can't stand how cool he thinks he is. Then Haley. Then Lauren and James would have been the winner. Not sure if Lauren is mature enough for all of this. But I remember them saying early on they were hoping for a female winner this time. And looking for a new teen singer. She'll be a good infleunce on the teen fans. I hope...as long as she doesn't become "evil" patti