After a big surprize last Wednesday night we learnt that no one was going to be packing their bags and leaving the American Idol circus. So instead, the pressure is really on this week because we're losing two people. Tonight should stretch some of these contestants, if not all of them, because tonight we have a bit of a rock thing going on which should put our Idols very much out of their comfort zones.

Looks as though tonight's format will be sticking pretty close to the traditional formula for a finale performance episode. Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis will each sing three songs, an original choice, a reprise from this season and, of course, the dreaded coronation song. Here are the rumored song choices and, while there has been no solid verification, they seem to be highly credible.

They're gittin' it on tonight, as Martina McBride stops by to give the good ole boys (and the ladies) some good country lovin', so strap on your stirrups and grab your hat, it's country night. Because THIS is American Idol! Ryan begins the final seven episode by sending good thoughts to the campus of Virginia Tech. We all join in those good thoughts, and hope the VT community is on the road to healing.

Wow! Tony Bennett is one of my all-time favorites. He is so classy and has such an amazing voice. I hope the American Idol contestants truly know that this is the opportunity of a lifetime (a dream that most singers -- even the famous ones -- would die to have!) -- To have Tony Bennett critique and mentor you -- very cool! So, here are my thoughts about last night's performances.

Melinda Doolittle was my favorite. She was Simon Cowell's favorite. Both of us can't be wrong! But evidently, the voting viewers of "American Idol" have other ideas. In a telephone and Internet poll that registered about 60 million votes, Doolittle, the little lady with the big voice, was voted off. Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks will face off in the final showdown next week.

THE SECOND HALF of the "American Idol" superspecialfinaleextravaganzavarietythingie is a television event with a central paradox: There's really no reason to put on this show. Photo courtesy FoxThe season's already over, really. The votes are in. The producers already know who won.

Today people are being entertained by TV shows like American Idol, Law and Order, Deal or no Deal, The Simpson and focusing on Paris Hilton going to jail that they are unaware of the great deception that is taking place in the religious and political world.

Jordin started with a song by Christina Aguilera - Fighter. Although the message is appropriate for American Idol (haven't I said enough about the dangers of singing ironic songs when there's a chance of you being eliminated? Doesn't anyone remember Phil and "Blaze of Glory"?!), I was a little put-off by the song choice. Jordin's been singing Aguilera since the very beginning - she sang "Because You Loved Me" for her audition and "Reflection" during the Top 20 - I thought this song didn't really show off her voice as much as it should. Though everyone else really liked it, so maybe once again I'm pulling a "Have A Nice Day" and disliking the performance because of the song