Could There be an "Idol" Upset on This Year's American Idol?

And then there were three. To me, this season of American Idol started out rough. It seemed that the top 24 and top 12 contestants couldn't find their niche as a group. During those phases, it seemed that the show couldn't get its mojo back after General Larry Flynt's mesmerizing performance of "Pants on the Ground" from the Atlanta auditions.

I think we got to see the serious contenders when they whittled it down to eight contestants. Suddenly America got to know Michael Lynche, Aaron Kelly, Casey James, Crystal Bowersox, Andrew Garcia, Siobhan Magnus, Katelyn Epperly and Lee DeWyze.

Even though reliable Crystal was always a heavy favorite in this bunch, Michael, Casey and Lee came up with some amazing performances to challenge her. Now that the show is in the Top 3, there could be an upset like last year. Yes, last year was an upset in my opinion, but look at the winner and runner-up one year later: both have great singles on the charts.

It would seem logical that Casey would be the next to go, but just like a political race, anything could happen. Lee could falter at the hands of Simon and/or Kara while Casey could turn in a shockingly amazing performance.

It's quite obvious that the judges and perhaps the audience is pulling for Crystal, a Northwestern Ohio single mom whose back-story resonates with Middle America. She could be the subject of a great biopic one day.

However it turns out on "Idol" this year, one thing is certain: Simon Cowell is departing the program. It will be extra bittersweet when the confetti flies at the finale, thus leaving the audience wondering how the show will perform in the 2010-11 season.