American Idol 4/27

Sooooooo, this is the stage in the game where handicapping gets a lot harder. They've weeded out the shoddier talent (sorry, Pia, but after last night's SUPER boring performance on DWTS and your willingness to be with Mark Ballas in a romantic way, I'm over you) and we're left with a relatively diverse group.

Mr Jacob Lusk went first, and I was pretty nervous when he started out. He sounded a bit sharp, but then he got into it and really blew me away by the end. His vocal runs combined with his version of dancing (jumping up and down while raising a leg) got me steadily back on the Jacob train. I wouldn't say he's out of danger, though, because I think he still has a hard time connecting with younger viewers, as they probably don't enjoy his more laid back, adult vibe.

James Durbin was the biggest surprise of the night for me. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow is sort of a personal favorite, and I thought his slower, heartfelt version really connected. This was the first week where he didn't give off a strong douchebag vibe for me, but perhaps straying from him style could come back and hurt him... Based on that performance, though, he's convinced me he has some depth.

Lauren and Scotty were both pretty boring for me. We all know I've liked them both from the start, but they both need to step up their games. Lauren did a pretty bland version of a bland song, and it was good, but it was by no means great. Scotty tried his hand at You've Got a Friend, and it did nothing for me. They both might get a surprise (to them) visit to the bottom 3. Their duet together was also unremarkable, definitely the worst of the 3.

Casey was pretty great, I thought. He managed to showcase his vocals and he actually didn't look like a stoner community college attendee! His suit really glammed up the performance, and he continues to be a solid performer. I still worry that the beard and weirdo thing are going to hold him back, but we'll see....

Haley was, as usual, a standout. Her voice lent itself perfectly to the song she chose, Beautiful, and I think she proved yet again that she has the best voice in the competition. Rock on!

It's hard to say who'll be in the bottom 3... I'm going to go out on a limb and say Lauren, Jacob and Scotty. It's hard to say who'll get the boot, I'm kind of torn between Scotty and Jacob, but if I had to pick one, I think I'd pick Jacob... We'll see!