American Idol Results' Show with Harry Connick, Jr. Was Best Yet

Normally I am not a big fan of American Idol results' shows. They drag on and the entertainment is generally weak. On Wednesday, May 5^th, however, it was a different story-much more exuberant than Tuesday's performance show.

The music of the night was a real pleasure. Well, maybe not all of it. I can't say I understood how Lady GaGa fit into the evening. She put on an elaborate stage production complete with smoke and fire, but her vocals were definitely not smoking.

Harry Connick, Jr. sang "And I Love Her" and it was a true lesson for the American Idols in singing a song like you mean it. Harry stands out to me as the best mentor they've ever had on American Idol. He went above and beyond what I've seen any other celebrity do. The Idols sang a medley of his songs as he accompanied them. They also did a medley of Sinatra tunes. It was a joy to watch and listen. They looked like they were having a great time. I found myself wondering why they hadn't kicked it into gear like that the previous night. Their harmonies were spot on. Casey James really stood out. He sounded good and appeared to be really getting into the music. The top five Idols all appeared to be relaxed, a stark contrast to their seeming intimidation on Tuesday's American Idol.

Lee DeWyze was told early on that he was safe. No surprise there. The other four Idols had to wait until the last fifteen minutes of the program. In usual 'lights down drama' fashion, Crystal Bowersox was told to start a group on one side of the stage and Mike Lynche was instructed to go to the other side. Aaron Kelly was asked to join Mike and Casey James was paired with Crystal. One duo found out they were the recipients of the fewest votes by audience viewers. That turned out to be Mike and Aaron.

Aaron got the bad news that it was his week to go. Big Mike gave him a big hug. As usual, Aaron had a smile on his face. He strikes me as the kind of person who would never say a bad word about anyone...just a genuinely nice guy. Aaron did an exceptional job, especially considering he just recently turned 17. Had he entered the American Idol contest in a couple years, I think he could have won. We haven't seen or heard the last of Aaron Kelly.

The top 4 American Idols are Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze, Casey James and Mike Lynche. It's anyone's game now, but I'm still going with Crystal, Lee and Casey as the last three standing.

Jamie Foxx has big shoes to fill as next week's mentor. The Idols will be singing 'songs of the cinema'.

Top Five American Idols Attempt to Sing Sinatra on Tuesday, May 4th, 2010