Lynn, I tend to agree with your first paragraph r.e. the show's title....but that said. It is what it is....and it's probably too late to change that now. So, I will not be forwarding my suggestions to the producers any time soon. They'd just say...Jan WHO!!! LOL.

I have missed only a couple shows, since the AI's inception. I don't call myself an expert, but I do know how the talent has definitely ramped up this season, looking back at all of the past seasons.

What I like about this year, is that everyone is trying to stay true to who they are....playing to their own God given strengths....for the most part, unless they are swayed by their musical mentors from time to time. I like that. We can only be our best, when we are fully who we are meant to be.

Was I sorry to see Pia go? Sure...I think she had a real shot at it, but on the other hand, she needs work on her stage performance. Vocally, she is top notch....but being voted off at this time, may have been a blessing in disquise. That gal will have no trouble getting signed to a label. She is the whole potential package.

Here's my breakdown and personal opinion (out of sync as to their performance order last night)

Stephano....great kid, great voice....but he shone brighter than ever before last night, with the Boyz To Men song. He did a stellar job on it, IMO. Real nice looking guy....Again...the whole Pop package.

Lauren Alaina....if a major country label doesn't sign this fresh-faced, ubber talented young lady....they are totally missing the ship. She is outstanding!! And....what a nice girl. I hope she never changes. She....has it all.

Scotty.....it's hard to believe that he is only 17 with that deep, rich voice. There again....everything I said r.e. Lauren's potential.....go ahead and apply it to Scotty, as well.
I think the voting demographics are such, that he and Lauren are getting the lion's share of the people's votes each week.

Paul.....I love his uniqueness. I think he is a great performer....not the best vocally, but the best at pulling off who he is on stage. I don't think he will end up in the top two or even three, but I always enjoy watching him and seeing what he is going to do next.

James Durbin.....Well, he is a bit cocky and his attitude may send him home, before his time, but he is great at what he does. He didn't want to listen to the musical coaches this week, but instead came out and gave everyone another large dose of where his heart is.....can't fault him for that. Will he win it?.....depends on who's voting...my gut says no. Will he get a recording contract out of this gig.....absolutely!!

Jacob....Well, he is a really soulful singer and I love to listen to most of his performances. This week he didn't preach to the audience...(he had been warned) Nothing turns off a crowd more than a performer that thinks he knows more than the unenlightened crowd. And...thank God, he has let go of most of the facial contortions and over dramatizations...that was hurting him. Will he win it? I hope not. He did a really nice job on Bridge Over Troubled Water", though.....I love that song, but I would much rather hear Clay Aiken sing it any day. THANKS LYNN, FOR SENDING THAT LINK.....IT GAVE ME CHILLS...AGAIN.

Hailey.....I have never understood the hype about her. When she messed so badly with Joplin a couple weeks ago....that did it for me. I loved Janis Joplin....not her lifestyle, but her talent....so when someone comes out trying to be her....well, like I said....that clinched it for me. Hailey's performances do nothing for me at all. I think she will go home sooner than some people may think.

Casey Abrams....probably the most genuinely gifted contestant that I have ever seen on the show. What a nice unassuming guy. All he wants to be is....Casey. He is uniquely his own. I love that about him. He will def. get alot of work from this exposure he is getting on AI....but I don't think he has established a fan base....at least among the younger crowd who is most likely doing the most voting. He deserves to win...but won't. He's not the whole package...unfortunately....the looks aren't much there....and sad to say....that's what they seem to want. But.....he's the most talented.

Who goes home tonight? Here is my best guess at the bottom three, first of all.

Hailey

Casey

Paul (he will probably go home, but I am pulling for it to be Hailey....just my bias coming through there)

Who will grab the brass ring, at the end?

Top 3 at the end:

Lauren

Scotty

James

Winner.....LAUREN ALAINA

Now that is my penny's worth. I love this show....don't care anything about my detractors...HA. I love what I love.

Oh, I am so much happier with the judges this year....personality-wise....but, they do need to be somewhat tougher to let them grow, but there are ways of doing that without crushing one's spirit too.

I had the pleasure of meeting Steven Tyler a few years ago. I worked with him for close to an hour and found him to be a really sweet, considerate guy. Just like on the show. You are seeing the real Steven Tyler in that judge's seat. He was extremely nice and real to me....very down to Earth....and you might not expect that in him....but I liked him very much.

Well, we'll see what happens tonight, won't we??

Jan....
(don't anyone call me tonight during prime-time, as I will be in front of my tv....popcorn/diet coke in hand.....and a fist full of tissues, just in case Hailey is still going to be there for next week. ( I did not just say that!!)

http://www.soundclick.com/janicehopkins