As "American Idol" wrapped up tonight, we felt relief: On double-elimination night, it could have been much worse.
Andrew Garcia was no surprise; he had to go. Katie Stevens was a mild surprise -- I didn't even expect her in the final four -- but it's one we could live with.
Here are a few of my comments; please add yours:
1) Katie is leaving after one of her better weeks. She's a good pop singer with a great pop face; still, her fairly deep, mature voice didn't seem to connect with the young-teen audience.
2) We were glad to see her go, though, because the show toyed with us. It had Michael Lynche standing alongside her, before admitting that he wasn't even in the bottom three. That was a relief; this edition only has two great talents (Crystal Bowersox and Big Mike) and can't afford to lose one of them.
3) Speaking of great talent, Adam Lambert continues to be superb. Simon Cowell -- who's sometimes very wrong about these things -- has accused Lambert and Lynche of being self-indulgent or too Broadway or such. On Elvis week, let's dismiss such nonsense; when done correctly, this is simply great showmanship.
4) Now we come to "Idol Gives Back" on Wednesday and inspirational songs on Tuesday. For some people -- led by Crystal anbd Big Mike -- there could be some terrific moments.
5) And remember that this is supposed to be the year of the women. With seven people left, only two are female.