For the second time, "American Idol" had Chris Daughtry as the guest on a key night -- the one in which someone finishes No. 4.
The message is simple: Daughtry finished fourth his year and became a big star. Others who finished fourth have included Tamyra Gray, LaToya London and LaKisha Jones; Jennifer Hudson didn't even get that far. This year's No. 4 can feel good about himself.
Let's hope so, because this year that's Michael Lynche, an immense talent. Here are a few of my comments; please add yours:
1) I really wish Big Mike hadn't pulled back in recent weeks. He's at his best when singing mega-songs -- "When a Man Loves a Woman," "What a Woman Needs." You want to see this guy belt, to sing songs -- "You Gave Me a Mountain," "Me and Mrs. Jones," "Walk On" -- that most voices can't handle. Instead, he chose milder songs; now he's gone.
2) Maybe he would have been gone anywhere. Mike was voted out once, when he would have been No. 9; the judges saved him. He's been near the bottom several times since then. Tween girls lean to the unthreatening -- David Archuleta and Kris Allen and Clay Aiken and more. They don't lean to a guy who can bench-press 505 pounds.
3) Yes, 505 pounds. Given the current rash of anorexia, that means he can lift an entire cheerleading squad.
4) I like bangs as much as the next guy, but I started to wonder if Fantasia could actually see anything. That was important, because she was wearing high heels and standing near the edge of the stage. I was kind of hoping Stevie Wonder's spotter would show up to help.
5) It was a good music night in general, with great moments from Daughtry and Fantasia and Bon Jovi and, alas, Big Mike. We'll miss him.
6) Next week, the survivors head back to their home towns. Casey James lives in Fort Worth, Lee DeWyze in Mount Prospect (near Chicago), Crystal Bowersox in northern Ohio (near Toledo).
7) Ryan Seacrest said we should all find out which AT&T store each will be at. Something tells me to skip that: "Idol" people go to arenas; phone stores could get a little crowded.