Off trots one

Watching the American Idol results show, even though I already know the result. Ryan tells us to prepare for the drama; I'm ready for the padding. As always, the editing of the previous night is interesting, cementing LaKisha, Jordin and Melinda as the big three.

This reminds me of those elections where, in a majority-black district, four black candidates run and one white guy, and the white guy wins.

They do a medley of Ross hits for the group song--and as usual it's pretty entertaining. Whoah, Melinda smokes everyone; LaKisha too; and Haley does pretty well. I'm telling you, these group songs are underated, they're fun and you do get a feel for the contestants.

Short show, shortish commercial breaks. And then, a hilarious Ford commercial, with everyone strutting around in first 70s than 80s hair and gear. Ryan gets right into the search for the three lowest vote-getters.

LaKisha; safe. Gina; safe. Brandon; not safe, not looking surprised. Jordin safe, big applause too; Chris Richardson safe; big applause for Melinda, safe; Phil is in the bottom three too; Chris Sligh safe, Stephanie safe; Blake safe.

Sanjaya or Haley... hmmm, they go to break. Then Diana Ross sings, in crazy red flowing outfit, what an entrance. Ugh, she's lost it though, vocals aren't good--she's doing all the tricks, but it's just not good to listen, like she's hoarse. Simon has this funny look on his face, like he wishes he could critique her. And she runs out of steam too, starts swallowing her words, gets even more screechy. She runs over to the Idols, gosh, it's pretty sad. Big fake smiles all around, her chat with Ryan is interesting, she's really a big fan of the show. Who's going home, Ryan asks her--I am, she says.

Sanjaya and Haley stand up; and it's Sanjaya, who has the presence of mind to give her a hug before he comes down. The three guys all hug; funny that it's all guys. Phil gets to sit down; it's pretty quick, 28 million votes cast and Brandon's gone.

I really like Brandon at first; but as the show went on, it seemed didn't want to show his passion on his sleeve. It may just be his personality, but you gotta make America care. He's adult about it, but the show ends before he can sing.