Finally

Strange week, eh? Everybody pretty much sucked with Neil Diamond's material. Paula reviewed a performance that hadn't yet occurred, prompting renewed gossip that the producers were rigging the show. Especially interesting in that regard was Syesha Mercado landing in the bottom two - when the usually reliable Dial Idol had placed her at a comfortable first place. My early favorite David Achuleta continued his month-long run of blandness, but since his puppy dog looks and "aw shucks" personality will sell millions of records to pre-teen girls, I can see why suspicions of favoritism are high.

Brooke White's departure was long-overdue, but the producers might have considered cutting her mike during all that sobbing. Sheesh. Another cruel hallmark of Idol is that departing contestants have to perform a departure song moments after being cut, tears still streaming down their face. But at least Brooke stayed true to form and forgot the words.