Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Tonight’s returning contestant guest star: Crystal Bowersox — another example of why Idol should consider voting changes for Season 11.

Because this Idol gender problem didn’t begin in Season 10, when the first six contestants eliminated were gals. Including Pia Toscano, who should still be vying for a spot in the finals.

A year ago at this point, Crystal was the shining star of that much maligned Season 9 cast.

All year long, she sang rings around Lee DeWyze.

Then she did it again in the Idol finale.

But when the confetti fell, Lee was the one basking in victory.  And, according to some reports, he won by an overwhelming margin. Or at least had the overwhelming support of the crowd at the Idol finale.

Anyway, it will be great to see Crystal perform again. She’ll be singing “Riding with the Radio” from her fine debut album.

I consider that album one of the best ever released by an Idol finalist. For one thing, its genuine Crystal, not Idol-manufactured pop that some past finalists have wound up releasing.

If you haven’t checked it out, please do. I think you’ll be impressed. My favorite tracks include “Speak Now,” “Arlene” and the magnificent lead single and title track, “Farmer’s Daughter.”

Anyway, back to the matter at hand, which is hopefully eliminating Jacob Lusk.  Don’t know, though. Ryan just said lots of people will be disappointed with tonight’s results.

Hopefully, hopefully, that doesn’t mean a Haley Reinhart ouster.

I supposed this group medley means we won’t be witnessing any duets tonight. Too bad. I mean, so far in this medley we’ve seen Casey and James singing cheek to cheek and Scotty McCreery surrounded by adoring female fans in a truly barf-worthy bit.

Yep, another fine performance from Crystal Bowersox, just like we got used to listening to all last season.

And Ryan promises results coming up when Idol returns from commercial.

Haley is the first to head to center stage. And Haley is safe, as in not in the bottom three. As in that’s fabulous news.

Scotty follows Haley to center stage. He’s widely considered the front-runner in this here competition. Ryan decides to keep him in suspense.

And summons Lauren Alaina to the stage. Jimmy Iovine thinks she’s around for the long run. And Ryan keeps Lauren in suspense too.

Casey Abrams is the next to head to the stage. Great line from Jimmy, who’s angry with Casey’s growl. “He’s got to learn the family dog doesn’t vote,” Jimmy says. He’s not learning his fate either.

James Durbin to the stage. Idol’s really dragging this out tonight. Jimmy says James can win, if he picks the right songs. He, too, is safe.

Jacob Lusk’s turn to learn his fate. Jimmy says Jacob is on banana peel status. Hmm, and Jimmy just dropped the gauntlet for the judges, saying it’s time to stop comparing the contestants to themselves, but to one another.

Lauren heads to safety, meaning Jacob, Casey and Scotty are in the bottom three … well, maybe not. I mean, I haven’t heard Ryan call them the bottom three yet.

Ah, you heard it. Results are in random order tonight.

And Jacob Lusk is safe. Oh, no. That’s bad news.

Headed home: Casey Abrams. Not the best choice, America.