Final Thoughts...

So, now the finale is set. Blake vs. Jordin—the finale many had predicted all along.

I said last night that it would be unfair if the most consistent singer didn’t make the finale, and it is a little. But being an “American Idol” has always been about more than just a voice. Melinda had a great story—humble back-up singer takes the spotlight—but for some reason she just didn’t catch on with the audience the way Jordin and Blake did.

And apparently she knew that, because she didn’t seem surprised at all. I said she seemed out of it from the beginning. I think she was preparing herself for what was going to happen. And she prepared herself well because she didn’t shed a single tear and pulled off a fantastic—as usual—performance. It’s ironic that after shedding so many tears for all of the other eliminated contestants, she didn’t shed a single one for herself. I can’t help but think it was a little bit of a relief. And maybe the performance by Elliott Yamin made her realize that she’ll be okay no matter what…

Blake, however, did not appear okay. I thought he looked almost sick. There’s been some talk that he never wanted to make the finals. That if he didn’t, he could have more control over his CD. It’s too late for that now…

A friend of mine just texted me to tell me that Jordin just won. I told her not if I had anything to say about it. After all, this is the first time that a contestant I have voted for from the beginning has made it to the finals. I’m not going to abandon him now…

So for the first time this season, I will ask you the $64,000 question…

Who will win “American Idol”?...