PUBLIC MARKS from vacelts with tags television & "Blake Lewis"

After 100,000 auditions in seven cities, 49 hours of television, 609 million votes and two hours of fluff, America finally learned that the 17-year-old from Glendale, Arizona with the golden voice is the 2007 American Idol. Jordin Sparks now takes her place among the elite known as Idols.

Going into the first half of the American Idol season finale, I thought the finale was going to be like comparing apples and oranges. Songstress Jordin Sparks has the vocals while beatboxing Blake Lewis has won the crowd over with performances. However, Jordin, as Simon Cowell put it, wiped the floor with Blake with the final song and, unless the voters are deaf, dumb and blind, sealed her victory.

Simon Cowell was visibly disappointed when results of the semifinals were announced on American Idol Wednesday. Melinda Doolittle, the most consistent and versatile contestant this season, has been sent home.

The competition remains close as the Top 3 head into the final weeks of American Idol. Although all three put in outstanding performances Tuesday night, I think Melinda Doolittle edged out her fellow contenders slightly with her versatility and consistency. Down to just three finalists, American Idol altered the format of Tuesday’s competition slightly. Each competitor sang three songs this week — a song selected for them by one of the judges, a song picked by the producers and finally, a song of their choice. This variation offered an interesting twist to Week 11.

After Wednesday, American Idol is down to the final three contestants. The Bee Gees and Disco night weren’t kind to most of the contestants, but LaKisha Jones’ rendition of “Staying Alive” wasn’t enough to keep her alive in the competition. She now heads home.

Tuesday night was Disco night on American Idol and guest mentor, Barry Gibb from the Bee Gees, showed the final four contestants how to dust off their disco ball and get down with it.

Tonight’s theme is Bon Jovi songs and Jon Bon Jovi is on hand to mentor the contestants. One of my favorite genres, tonight’s American Idol really seemed to cause difficulty for some of the contestants. Where is former contestant and rocker Gina Glocksen when you need her? Unfortunately, her only appearance was in the studio audience.

Melinda Doolittle continues to be the reason why I watch American Idol. If she doesn't win, I will be sorely disappointed. Melinda personifies a true performer. She not only has great vocals, but she understands and interprets the song. You feel the meaning when you hear her sing.