American Idol 9: You Think You're in the Movies, and Everything's So Deep

Movie Week carries on, but for some reason, the theme doesn't. Jamie Foxx is nowhere to be found, and none of the night's musical guests are offering up any soundtrack numbers for us. So what's the deal? Okay, we don't have to sit through a group number tonight. That's the good news. Instead, Season Three winner, Fantasia, showed up to perform her new single, the '70s tinged "Bittersweet" (which I'm pretty sure isn't from a movie). That's not exactly BAD news, but it ended up sounding just aight for me (for you, for me). I liked this girl quite a bit when that season was running, but I haven't been impressed by too much that she's done since. I do like HER though, as she seems like a really sweet woman, and she does have a boatload of talent. It's just that the songs she chooses to sing don't really do all that much for me, for you, for me.

Another Ford video. Please let this end soon.

Next up, we were invited to view a video montage of past homecoming trips from previous Top Three contenders. Each current Idol was asked what they would be looking forward to if they were lucky enough to receive the opportunity to return home. Michael Lynche wants to see his puppy dog and smell the salt air in St. Petersburg ('cause they don't have any of that in California?). Crystal Bowersox wants to play a gig with her bass player. Lee DeWyze just wants it to be "him." Casey James wants to hear people say "y'all."

Turns out Casey will get to hear that greeting next week as he was voted the first Idol to enter Season Nine's Top Three.

Chris Daughtry, the fourth-place finisher in Season Five, returned with his band Thornley... I mean Van Halen... no... Dokken... Winger? Oh wait, Daughtry!!! I knew it was somebody's last name. Anyway, they performed their new single, "September" (not to be confused with the Earth, Wind and Fire song of the same name, and not to be confused with ANY song from ANY movie). It was kinda cool. I enjoy Chris, but he still needs to find out who he is. I saw Daughtry at The Commodore a couple of years back, and I had to leave mid way because Chris spent the evening leaping back and forth between impersonations of Ed Kowalczyk and Chad Kroeger (bizarre, but true).

The remaining three were then left to stand at centre stage while Ryan rehashed last night's events and grilled each contestant as to what they thought of their performances and judgments. Get on with it, Ryan! For a second, it looked like Ryan was going to pronounce Michael safe, but then he quickly switched it over to Lee by telling him that he'd get to visit Chicago next week. My dark horse is IN, people!!!! Sweet!

Putting the results on hold for a few moments, the second "last name" band of the night, Bon Jovi, payed a visit to perform "Superman Tonight" (also not from a movie, even though they have made several movies about Superman... if you didn't know). This is the point in the program when Brent rolls his eyes and grabs the remote. But me? I love Bon Jovi, and I make no apologies for that. Let me just enjoy this song for a bit... I'll get back to ya...

I'm back. I liked it. Brent, you be quiet.

Anyway, now we wait for Ryan to give us the good or bad news, as Michael stands uncomfortably with a HUGE chip on his shoulder. Mike's gonna get a chance to dip that chip as he's sent packing and Crystal is sent to safety.

So this is the way it stands: Casey, Lee and Crystal. Nicely done! If you believe that this season might possibly be the worst in Idol history, I'd have to say that – with what they had to work with – THIS is easily the BEST Top Three. Kinda strange when you think about it. At this point, I don't really care who wins because I enjoy all three of them. Chances are pretty good that I'll buy all three CDs.

Thank you, America, for restoring my faith in your decision-making process. See y'all next week.

CANUCKGIRL delivers the thrills and spills of America’s favourite singing competition direct to your monitor. CanuckGirl is NOT a professional journalist, nor does she play one on television.