AI Predictions: The Final Four

I honestly don’t know what all the hubbub is about the final 4.  It’s not like the Miss America contest where third runner-up still gets a terrific bouquet and an awesome sash and a “scholarship” or anything.

You get in the final four on American Idol, and you get the same thing as the final 10.  Squat.

In all fairness, I do realize that American Idol provides these singers a platform that will springboard their careers to places they probably can only dream about.  Most of these entertainers will sign lucrative record deals once their year of commitment to Idol is complete.  Most of them will record top-40 songs and go on to become common household names.  But if the goal is to be “The Next American Idol,” then there are no prizes for 2nd – or 3rd, or 4th, or 5th – place.  So I’m stuck with the irony of it all.

Anyhoo, on to the predictions.

I LOVED this night.  LOVED the music, the swagger, the style of it all.  And for the first time in a long time, I felt that there was truly no clear leader.  Everyone brought their A-game, and as a spectator it made for some great watching!

However, someone’s got to be in the bottom, and at this point, they generally don’t collect the bottom three anymore.  I’m following suit and picking my bottom two:

Don’t get me wrong.  I loved his song.  I thought he did an amazing job.  I just think it was easily forgettable, and being first tonight hurt his chances.  He’ll be back next week, rest assured.  But in a field of 5, someone’s got to be #4.

Which brings us to #5…Matt Giraud.  I’m sad to see him go.  I really, really liked him, although he looked a bit apathetic in his initial audition (remember the white t-shirt and jeans?).  But he just never seemed to be “top” idol material.  I’m glad he made it this far – he certainly deserved it – but he’s just used up his ninth life and it’s time for him to make way for the real superstars.

We’re countin’ down to #1…we’ll see if my early season predictions still hold.