(S06E13) "The votes are in," Ryan says to start off the show, and this, my friends, is what we've all been waiting for, isn't it? It's finally OUR turn. Tonight we send four people packing, crushing their hopes and dreams in front of a live audience and millions more watching from home. This is true, live, exciting entertainment. And soon we'll know who's in, who's out, and if our favorites are safe...or not.

But first, the judges sum-up their thoughts about the competition, so far. Randy says he thinks this year it's gonna be a "girl's race," but Simon still thinks two or three guys show potential. Paula says the boys have only one way to go, and points up towards the heavens. Unfortunately, she's wrong. Some people can definitely spiral lower and lower (Sundance, Sanjaya, and Antonella, I'm pointing at you) and we'll all be here to watch.

(S06E11) Tonight we moved past the horrible auditions and the Hollywood meltdowns into the part of the competition that many of Idol's critics call "Karaoke Time." I think it's a given that all of the semifinalists are talented singers, having beat out thousands of others, and holding their own during Hollywood Hell Week in order to get to the Top 24. But staying in the competition is going to be tough. They're going to have to go beyond lame or even "safe" Karaoke renditions. They really need to kick some butt big time and shine.

(S06E09) After four long weeks of auditions, we've finally made it to the infamous "Hollywood Round." Ryan tells us that 172 contestants are just five days away from becoming finalists, but "those five days are going to be a nightmare."

It might be a nightmare for the contestants, but at home, we are spared most of the mayhem. In fact, Idol speeds through most of the singing completely and a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff, as well. Where's the emotional build-up? Where's the drama? Where's Simon's nasty comments? Where's the angry outbursts from exhausted rejects pushed to the brink of insanity? I can't get a handle on who's who or who's singing what. Before I blink, people are being sent home.