We've not enjoyed the show on tv so much in ages, made me think once again how great it'd be to have more entertaining and little less competition, to bring best of Idols and have some extra fun for everyone. No matter, all are winners, except me and especially my daughter, will be listening to Katherine and my younger daughter to Chris (her forever Idol). I think Taylor got the votes for being a friendly country guy -if the show was about congeniality he'd get my votes, he had fun and made us join in the fun, appearing more self-confident- a few years older helps, even if he was at times comical with his dances-we can all use more fun. It reminded us of the times when the "She Bangs" guy was picked as the winner on line, lol. We're fine with the fact Katherine took the 2nd place- it's almost or as grand as the top. Her voice will sing for itself. Wish we didn't have to wait so long for more Idol, GB

I'm one that will come in toward the end. I saw an Oprah interview with Steven Tyler and he is very honest about himself and his past life. He is a very good conversationalist. I like his funky self and they all are solid judges who will probably be more detailed in their criticism this year. I also like when they agree with me. That tells me I am learning from them just like Dancing With the Stars judges gives me a more critical eye.

I started watching again this year. Honestly, when Fantasia won that year, I quit watching. What a travesty that was. Anyhow.......I really like the line up of judges. Harry Connick does tell it like it is. I loved it when he said, you gotta lay off the runs, especially when you're bad at them. I got soooo sick of the "'screaming" that they called singing...and the runs....ugh, stick a fork in my eye. I would much prefer to hear a singer hit a big note at the end, and hold it. I think that's much harder than those extremely overused runs. I don't think Malaya should have made it through. I picked every single guy right. I think the tall girl, with the gap in her teeth should have made it over Malaya. Caleb is my fav guy to win. The girls, hmmmm, I like Jena and MK.

I was rooting for Croatia, naturally as I am 50% Croatian. Daughter is teaching in Zagreb (capital of Croatia) have been twice and plan to go next year for my 60th birthday. Alas, they played really well, and with a lot of heart, but defense just wasn't there. It is interesting to see an insiders view of what this means to that country, and it is huge. Daughter is on a 2 week bike trip through Croatia and they stopped at a little village to watch the game. Her boyfriend stayed in Zagreb, and he said people were partying up a storm afterwards, really proud of the players and their country.