Phillip Phillips wasn’t the only one realizing his dreams on Wednesday night’s American Idol Season 11 finale. Top 3 finalist — and our not-so-secret favorite from this cycle — Joshua Ledet made a triumphant return to the Idol stage alongside “the biggest inspiration of [his] life” Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino. And whoo boy was that inspiration apparent as the two soul powerhouses let loose on “Take Me To The Pilot”, turning Elton John‘s 1970 B-side into an old-school gospel revival. It was something like a family act, Fantasia in a form-fitting sequin catsuit and Josh in a iridescent cream blazer, screaming in call-and-answer to one another from across the crowd. See if you can’t resist clapping along with Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson, or having a good chuckle at the downright beffuddled-looking Scotty McCreery at the 2:46 mark.

Elton John has cancelled three Las Vegas shows after being hospitalized on Wednesday (May 23). The legendary singer was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after developing a serious respiratory infection last weekend while performing at Caesar’s Palace. After extensive tests, John was instructed not to perform for another week so he could undergo treatment.

“It feels strange not to be able to perform these ‘Million Dollar Piano’ concerts at The Colosseum,” the 65-year-old “Tiny Dancer” artist said in a statement. “I love performing this show and I will be thrilled when we return to The Colosseum in October to complete the eleven concerts soon to be scheduled. All I can say to the fans is sorry I can’t be with you.”

elton john and channing tatum: dance partners

6 Photos »

Gossip are getting a taste of the Cannes, and it’s pretty bitter. The group performed Elton John‘s “Candle In The Wind” during the opening ceremony of the film festival, though we can’t say they recieved the warmest reception. The crowd stayed mostly silent during the performance, forcing Ditto to ask, “Are you alive?” We can’t particularly blame the audience for their lack of excitement — their arrangement sounded off, and Beth fumbled with the lyrics a bit.

“Tough crowd!” she exclaimed halfway through the song. “You know what they say, you can love it or hate it, I still get paid.”

Thankfully, the group fared a bit better when they performed their single ”Perfect World” for the Cannes festgoers on Le Grand Journal. Check it out below.

Gossip – “Perfect World” (Live at Cannes)

Channing Tatum put his Step Up skills to use last night as he joined Sir Elton John on stage at Carnegie Hall — and by “joined”, we mean he grinded up on the pop icon. The Golden Globes nominee‘s performance was part of the Revlon Concert for the Rainforest benefit, but really, judging by the actor’s unrehearsed and utterly saucy gyrations on Sir Elton, we like to think it was for our benefit. Perhaps the 21 Jump Street star was trying to convince the Brit that he, not Justin Timberlake, should portray the Rocket Man in his upcoming biopic. Check out the not-so-tiny dancer feeling the love tonight from a tuxedo-vested Channing.

Did You Hear?

:: The Backstreet Boys have proved they’ve been party rocking long before LMFAO. The boy band sported tight animal print pants and crazy wigs in the photo they posted on their Facebook page that dates back to 2005. How about we add Redfoo and SkyBlu to the mix and form super-super group NKOTBSBLMFAO? [MTV Buzzworthy]

:: Good news for the music industry — seriously! Music sales increased ever so slightly in 2011, making it the first gain for music since 2004. [Vulture]

:: In an interview with E! News, Elton John expressed how thankful he was that he didn’t end up like Whitney Houston, “Because I’m sure I did as much cocaine as she ever did.” [E! Online]

:: Less than a year after their daughter’s death, Mitch and Janis Winehouse are set to inherit Amy’s estate, reported to be over $4.5 million. [Pink Is The New Blog]

:: Only days after Katy Perry was seen out and about with a French model, Katy took to Twitter to squash the rumors that the two were dating. She tweeted that she had eaten some garlic because she heard it was an immune booster and tagged the post “#singleandsatisfied”. Well there you have it, Katy is single and it may be due to the amount of garlic she’s been consuming. [AOL]

After the jump, find out which music acts you can find on the tube today.
Music On TV:

:: Late Show with David Letterman (CBS) — Band of Skulls
:: Tonight Show With Jay Leno (NBC) — Alan Jackson
:: Jimmy Kimmel Live! (ABC) — the Crystal Method featuring Martha Reeves (repeat)
:: Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC) — Laura Marling (repeat)
:: Ellen DeGeneres (ABC) — Steven Tyler, Chris Young

Melanie Amaro first earned “respect” when she was crowned the first winner of The X Factor (which, don’t know if you’ve heard, is going through some growing pains at the moment). After signing a $5 million contract with Epic Records, Melanie has also landed a starring role in a Pepsi  Super Bowl commercial. In it, Sir Elton John plays a tyrannical king who doesn’t let his people drink Pepsi. Melanie saves the day by belting out Aretha Franklin’s classic, and blows Elton down to the chamber below, releasing Pepsi for all! Watch it after the jump.

Did your jaw drop as far down as Elton? Let us know what you think on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments below.

Elton John must know that there’s nothing we love more than seeing two pop divas go at it. At least, that’s our reasoning as to why why the Rocket Man has made yet another catty remark about Madonna — this time about her upcoming Super Bowl Halftime extravaganza. The Golden Globe nominee (who ultimately lost to Madge, even after Sir Elton claimed she didn’t have “f***ing chance”) relayed this advice to the MDNA singer via Billboard: “Make sure you lip-sync good.” Me-ow! Is the Brit just playing around or is he still licking his wounds from his recent award show loss? Tell us below or give us a shout on Facebook and Twitter.

This week, chances are you were either hating on or defending Lana Del Rey’s Saturday Night Live performance — we wanted to do the latter, but ended up doing the former — but believe it or not, there was plenty more going on in the world of pop. The ever-growing feud between Madonna and Elton John, Adam Lambert’s recent television appearances. If you’re one of the few people who don’t know what’s going on, don’t worry, check out our reader’s comments below for their thoughts.

:: Kathy came to LDR’s defense when she said of her lack of live performing skills: “i love lana del rey no matter what. seeing her on snl, i have come to the conclusion that while she isnt a ‘big arena, performing for millions of people’ pop star, shes the performer i would go see at a bar because i want a personal experience. which if you think about it, those are the best kinds of artists. she keeing it real, she knows shes not good live, but anyone worth hearing rarely is, you go to a show for the experience, not for a lip syncing and dancing 30 yr old robot.”

:: Anonymous didn’t agree with our responses, but they bring up a good point: “Instead of celebrating that she isn’t some over-managed pop star who says the ‘right’ thing all the time you are condoning her for that. She might not sell out a concert like Britney but she’s got more heart than you’ll ever give her credit for.”

:: On the other hand, Trey believes Lana should stick to working behind the scenes: “In my opinion, Lana Del Rey doesn’t even sing. Lana Del Rey moans. She seductively speaks her lyrics, and because the song has an instrumental backing, we call it music. She should simply stick to being a lyricist and continue to write beautiful stories through song. But as for her singing these said songs… Let’s just say, I don’t see her being asked to return as a musical guest any time in the near future. Or this lifetime.”

:: Fans were certainly abuzz about Madonna’s win at the Golden Globes. According to George, it’s time for Madonna to grow up: “I think she was snide and rude, and thought she was back into her 30s. She has a chip on her shoulder, and after so many years a fan, I am disappointed in seeing her last night, She has lost her edge.”

:: Co-Writer Indeed questioned how much work the Material Girl put into the song, but still gave their congratulations: “I’d love to know how much ‘co-writing’ Madge actually did on this and the majority of her oeuvre, but still, congrats, Vampyre! I’m sure aging queens around the world are setting themselves on fire to celebrate this most recent triumph of The Material Nation.”

:: Sean responded to the above commenter: “Are you kidding? Madonna has co-written or written nearly every single one of her songs since the mid-80’s including some of her greatest work like Like a Prayer and Ray of Light. what else does she have to prove? I don’t understand people who hate on her songwritting ability b/c they don’t think pop stars have that talent. Madonna LEADS the pack when it comes to songwriting.”

:: Finally, something everyone can agree on — readers expressed only praise for Adam Lambert’s performance on the Tonight Show. Sizzling wrote: “Vocal, visual and emotional perfection!! That’s Adam Lambert!! Love the rock wails at the end and that stunning, make-up free look!”

:: Paul commented on Adam’s stage presence: “Adam Lambert LIVE is a thing of beauty! He feeds off the audience and pushes each song to the limit! Most exciting live performer I have ever seen!”

:: And Carla praised him for his incredible vocals: “Just pure talent! AMAZING vocals! The notes from the second half – end just melted my heart! This performance reminded me why Adam is my all time favorite singer!”

Forget what else happened this week? Check out our Pop & Fizz Hype Index to see the other big things everyone was gossing about.

It’s time once again to see who made our weekly Pop & Fizz chart, where we rank the top artists and headlines in pop music. Now you’ll know exactly who reigns the pop kingdom from week to week, according to our laboratory-developed research methods and sophisticated calculations. You know what kind of week Madonna, Lana Del Rey and Adam Lambert had — how’d they fare on this week’s index?

Voila! Our third Pop & Fizz Top 10 of the year:

To see just how these artists entered the hype index, check below.

• Lana Del Rey On SNL: Review Revue
• American Idol: Season 11 Premieres With Siblings, Country Singers And Swag
• Elton John At Golden Globes: “Madonna Hasn’t Got A F***ing Chance”
• Coldplay And Rihanna Set For Duet At The Grammys
• B.o.B And Other Artists Rally To Stop SOPA And PIPA
• Rihanna Is Smoking (Hot) In Hawaii
• Adam Lambert Rocks Tonight Show With “Better Than I Know Myself”
• Adele Sets Record Straight On Relationship With Simon Konecki
• Paris Hilton Records Single With LMFAO For Sophomore Album
• Santigold Is Clearly Not A Fan Of Lady Gaga Or Katy Perry

How does this week’s chart rank for you? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or in the comments.

Did You Hear?

::  Remember those nasty things Elton John said about Madonna’s chance of winning a Golden Globe? The rock legend’s husband, David Furnish, also got a few digs in on Facebook, but is now trying to rationalize the remarks: “My passion for our film Gnomeo & Juliet and belief in Elton’s song really got my emotional juices going.” Oh, so all’s forgiven then? Doubt it. [Vulture]

:: Katy Perry is the latest artist to get her own Pop Up Video. Of the fun facts we learned about “Teenage Dream”: Katy’s parents were on set to witness the California girl dancing half-nekkid on the beach and kissing a boy! Awkward. [MTV Buzzworthy]

:: Casper Smart may have added a few more Twitter followers since taking to the social network to discuss his May-December romance with Jennifer Lopez. He said, “Age, status, n opinions of others are irrelevant. Our hearts are endless and our souls infinite.” You know it’s true love, because J.Lo retweeted him! [E Online]

:: Selena Gomez may be taking a break from music, but she’s definitely not taking a break from Justin Bieber. The couple were spotted locking lips while they waited on line for fruit smoothies. [Pink Is The New Blog]

:: Lady Gaga! She’s just like us! The “Marry The Night” singer was seen doing laundry with new beau Taylor Kinney in California this week. We wonder how many loads she had to do; those outrageous outfits must be dry-clean only. [Just Jared]

After the jump, find out which acts you can find on the tube today.

Music On TV:

:: The Late Show With David Letterman (CBS) — Los Campesinos
:: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC) — Steven Tyler, Ryan Seacrest, Randy Jackson
:: Last Call With Carson Daly (NBC) —Mona (Repeat)
:: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon (NBC) — Cults

Backstage at the Golden Globe Awards, Madonna certainly didn’t seem to harbor any ill will toward Elton John, following his red carpet dis of the Material Girl. “I hope he speaks to me for the next couple of years. He’s known to get mad at me,” Madge said while fielding a question about trumping John, after her Best Original Song win for “Masterpiece”. She also talked about collaborating on her upcoming album MDNA with producers Martin Solveig and William Orbit. Watch below!

“He’s brilliant and I adore him,” Madonna continued while talking about Elton. “He’ll win another award. I don’t feel bad.”

John’s Gnomeo & Juliet track “Hello Hello” was one of four other soundtrack tunes that Madonna’s “Masterpiece” beat out for the Golden Globe win.

The W.E. director was later asked about what the sound of her upcoming 12th studio album MDNA will be. “Well, I did a good majority of the album with Martin Solveig… I love his sound — it’s really fresh, doesn’t sound like anybody else’s,” Madonna said. “Happy. I would say his music is happy. It puts a smile on your face.”

She also talked about working once again with English producer William Orbit, who handled the bulk of her Grammy-winning 1998 album Ray Of Light: “His songs tend to be, I don’t want to say dark — more thoughtful and introspective.”

But lest anyone worry that this won’t be a dance album, Madge put her fans’ minds at ease. “Oh, yes — lots of dancing, cheerleading, football players,” she noted.

MDNA is due out some time in March. First single “Give Me All Your Luvin” arrives in early February, and will coincide with Madonna’s Super Bowl halftime performance.

How does that foot taste, Elton John? If you’ve been wondering why Sir Elt looked so sour-faced at the Golden Globe Awards when the camera panned to him during Madonna’s Best Original Song acceptance speech, one need only watch the following red carpet interview Carson Daly did with the rock legend. “Madonna hasn’t got a f***ing chance,” said John, who’s Gnomeo & Juliet offering “Hello Hello” was also nominated. Carson noted those were fighting words. “No,” said Elton. “They’re accurate words.” Oops! Watch below.

After Elton left, Madonna was then interviewed by Carson, who couldn’t help informing the Material Girl what John had said about her. “Oh, damn him!” she joked, while stomping her foot. “Those are fightin’ words… okay, well, may the best man win.”

Elton John disses Madonna on the Golden Globe Awards red carpet

What did you think of Elton’s comments on Madge? Was it all in jest, or were they mean-spirited barbs meant to keep their supposed long-standing feud going?

Either way, Madonna’s “Masterpiece” still won. Sorry, Elt.

Pop-rock royal Elton John confirmed that a jukebox musical based on his life is in the works, and that he’d like former-popstar-turned-actor Justin Timberlake to portray him in the film. “I’ve got a wish list of people,” John told the Los Angeles Times. “No. 1 on my wish list is Justin Timberlake, because he played me before in a David LaChapelle video of ‘Rocket Man’ and was superb.”

Elton is referring to Timberlake’s turn as the “Your Song” legend in the concert film “Rocket Man” sequence of his Red Piano shows in Las Vegas.

Justin Timberlake as Elton John in the “Rocket Man” concert film from The Red Piano

Parts of this were used in Elton’s video for “This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore”, off 2001 album Songs From The West Coast. (Watch for Paul “Pee Wee Herman” Reubens’ appearance as John’s longtime manager John Reid.)

Justin Timberlake as Elton John in the “This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore” video

Elton told the Los Angeles Times that he and partner David Furnish will be producing the film, while Billy Elliot scribe has penned the script. John and Hall previously collaborated on the Billy Elliot musical adapted from the film. Meanwhile, Elton and David co-produced last year’s animated Gnomeo & Juliet, which is currently up for Best Original Song at the upcoming Golden Globe Awards.

Here’s how Sir Elt describes his biopic:

“That would be a jukebox musical in earnest, maybe with a couple of new songs. You never know. Because it’s going to be a surreal look at my life, and not just a factual look at my life, more in the manner of a Moulin Rouge! I just don’t want it to be a normal biopic because my life hasn’t been like that. And it only goes up to when I go into rehab in 1990. It starts with me going into rehab and ends when I come out.”

John noted that there is a director attached to the project that everyone is “very excited about,” and that there will be an announcement “very, very soon.”

Do you think playing Elton John would be the role that turns Justin Timeberlake into a bona fide box office draw? Or is there someone you think is better suited to fit the bill?

A long list of contenders up for nomination for the Best Song category at the upcoming Academy Awards in 2012 is doing the rounds, and while some of the tunes that have already been nominated for Golden Globes are present — “Hello Hello” by Elton John and Lady Gaga, “The Living Proof” by Mary J. Blige, “The Keeper” by Chris Cornell, etc. — it appears as if there was no love for Madonna’s “Masterpiece”, from her directorial effort W.E.

According to Digital Spy, Oscar rules dictate that Madge’s track was ineligible because it was placed too far into the movie’s end credits to qualify, since contenders for the award must be the lead song in the credits.

Another Elton John tune from Gnomeo & Juliet, “Love Builds A Garden”, is also on the long list, as are songs from The Muppets (“Life’s A Happy Song”, “Man Or Muppet” and “Pictures In My Head”) and Zac Brown’s “Where The River Goes” from the Footloose remake.

The voting process for Oscar categories begins on January 5 by Academy members, after which the final nominees will all be announced live on January 24 at 5:30 a.m. PST.

Peek at all 39 tracks on the list for potential Oscar Best Song nominations here.

The 2012 Golden Globe nominations are out, and Madonna’s upcoming directorial effort W.E. (hitting US theaters on February 3) got some Foreign Press Association love in two categories — Best Original Song (for Madge’s ballad “Masterpiece”, which she co-wrote with Julie Frost and Jimmy Harry) and Best Original Score (Abel Korzeniowski). Other song nominees include Mary J. Blige’s The Help contribution “The Living Proof” and Elton John’s “Hello Hello” from the animated film Gnomeo & Juliet.

Interestingly, new Interscope labelmates Madonna and Lady Gaga will be competing against each other for Best Original Song…sort of. Gaga serves as duet partner with Elton on the version of “Hello Hello” that appears in the Gnomeo & Juliet movie. However, she was stripped off the song as it appears on the actual soundtrack, apparently due to legal reasons.

Either way, it’s Elton John and longtime writing partner Bernie Taupin who receive the writing credit, and thus the nomination for “Hello Hello”.

Meanwhile, Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor follows up his success with the score for The Social Network by landing a nod for The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, and Glee is up for Best Television Series — Comedy Or Musical.

Golden Globe Music Nominees

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE, MOTION PICTURE
Ludovic Bource, The Artist
Abel Korzeniowski, W.E.
Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Howard Shore, Hugo
John Williams, War Horse

BEST ORIGINAL SONG, MOTION PICTURE
“Hello Hello”, Gnomeo & Juliet
Music by: Elton John
Lyrics by: Bernie Taupin

“The Keeper”, Machine Gun Preacher
Music & Lyrics by: Chris Cornell

“Lay Your Head Down”, Albert Nobbs
Music by: Brian Byrne
Lyrics by: Glenn Close

“The Living Proof”, The Help
Music by: Mary J. Blige, Thomas Newman, Harvey Mason, Jr.
Lyrics by: Mary J. Blige, Harvey Mason, Jr., Damon Thomas

“Masterpiece”, W.E.
Music & Lyrics by: Madonna, Julie Frost, Jimmy Harry

Catch the full list of 2012 Golden Globe nominees here.

Elton John is the latest iconic musician to score his own big-screen biopic, though, like the man himself, it will be highly unconventional. Rocketman will tell the story of the singer’s career, and is described as “a biographical musical fantasy that will weave together John’s life and his music” and will be told in “a non-linear and hyper-visual manner.”

The project will be written by Lee Hall, who penned both the stage and screen version of Billy Elliott. This will be the second collaboration between Hall and John, who composed the score for the Tony-winning musical.

No actor has yet to be cast as the music man – who do you see playing Elton John? Justin Timberlake might not be such a far-fetched choice, since he already played the singer in the video for “This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore.”

[Deadline]

Sir Elton John and Victoria Beckham added a little pop to the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton today. The rocket man (whose hit “Your Song” will be performed by Ellie Goulding at the newlywed’s reception) along and his partner David Furnish had front row seats to the event of the year (or possibly the decade). Meanwhile, a very pregnant Posh and hubby David sat several rows back, though it’s hard to miss the former Spice Girl with that ridiculous contraption she’s got on her forehead — is she hiding a massive zit under there? Check out all the pomp and circumstance straight from Westminster Abbey.

The biggest wedding of the century is nearly upon us — that is unless Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez end up tying the knot someday. And while you’re out buying tea and scones for your at-home wedding celebration, downloading Ellie Goulding’s Lights, and setting your alarms for the pre-crack of dawn to watch the pomp and circumstance surrounding Kate Middleton and Prince William’s vows, we thought we’d help you set the matrimony mood with our official Idolator Royal Wedding Playlist. So head below, press play and keep reminding yourselves that Prince Harry is still single.

Taylor Swift —  “Today Was A Fairy Tale” Not that Kate is a damsel in distress by any means, but tomorrow will certainly be ceremony a fairy tale proportions.

Juice Newton — “Queen Of Hearts” We had to throw a song in there for the Queen Elizabeth.

Elton John — “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” Hey, it was good enough for Simba, the lion king.

Taylor Swift — “Love Story” “You’ll be the prince and I’ll be the princess/It’s a love story, baby/Just say yes” — need we say any more?

Fergie — “London Bridge” Since Fergie the Duchess Of York wasn’t invited, we thought we’d include this ditty from Fergie Duchess Of Peas.

Queen — “Somebody To Love” What’s a royal playlist without a little Queen?

Spin Doctors — “Two Princes” A little something for Prince William and Prince Harry.

Prince — “The Most Beautiful Girl In The World” A song from The Purple One especially for Kate.

Here at Idolator, we love us some old school Elton John. And so we raised a collective eyebrow upon finding out that Glee‘s resident show choir teach Matthew Morrison would not only be covering the knighted legend on his upcoming debut solo album, he’d also performing a duet with Sir Elt, to boot. Ryan Seacrest premiered the pair’s offering today—a mash-up of John’s 1972 Honky Chateau classics “Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters” and “Rocket Man.” Listen below.

Seacrest only teased two minutes of Matt and Elt’s vocal pairing today, but you pretty much get the idea: Morrison hits all the high notes with Elton’s warm, familiar voice accompanying him here and there, and this rendition of these two tunes—particularly “Rocket Man”—sort of just leaves you wanting to hear the originals.

We’ll at least give Matthew a gold star for going with “Mona Lisas” (even though you barely get to hear it in this clip), simply because it’s one of Elton’s lesser-known album tracks among the general public. (Though, “Harmony” off Goodbye Yellow Brick Road might have made for a more fun option?)

Should Matthew and Elton have crafted an original song and left the classics alone? Let us know what you think.

Now, don’t get us wrong—from “Rocket Man” and “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” to “Blue Eyes” and “Circle Of Life,” we love us some Captain Fantastic. But Elton John night on American Idol didn’t exactly give any “wow” moments with regards to the Top 11, the way Motown night did last week. Maybe there were simply too many switched-up arrangements of Sir Elt’s classics? At least Ryan Seacrest’s new hair style (bangs pushed down!) kept us captivated.

At the beginning of the show, Seacrest reminds us that the three judges used their one and only save of the season on Casey Abrams last week. “Now that the save is gone, the drama’s about to double, because we lose not one, but two people tomorrow,” he warns about tonight’s elimination round.

But before all that, the Top 11 are off to a glam Entertainment Weekly photo shoot, where they are to soak up a bit of Elton’s style panache.

THE STANDOUT

Yes, there’s really only one standout this week, and that’s simply by comparison to the other snoozy performances. James Durbin comes out and does his rocker thing with what is probably Elton John’s most rockin’ single from the ’70s: “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting.” (If only he had done Goodbye Yellow Brick Road‘s opening jam, “Love Lies Bleeding,” it might have actually kicked things up a notch.) There are flames. There are screams. And there is James on top of a piano.

THE SO-SO

We’re throwing pretty much everyone in the So-So category this week: Scotty McCreery for his obvious take on “Country Comfort”; Naima Adedapo for her just-okay reggae reworking of “I’m Still Standing”; Pia Toscano for playing it safe with “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” (which we thought she struggled with, but the judges loved); Lauren Alaina for her low-watt attempt at “Candle In The Wind” (her dress was more memorable than the singing, we’re afraid); and Thia Megia for a just-passable stab at “Daniel.”

Two contestants who are slightly more memorable than the rest are Jacob Lusk and Haley Reinhart. Jacob goes with John’s somber ballad “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word” because he’s familiar with Mary J. Blige’s cover version. The gospel crooner employs his usual flare for drama and soaring vocals, but it’s nowhere near as electrifying as his take on “You’re All I Need To Get By” was last week.

As for Haley, like Randy points out, she delivers her best performance so far with her smoky, sexy version of “Bennie And The Jets.” But while we have to give her props, we also can’t help thinking that, since two unlucky folks are going home after tonight, she might be in danger.

Meanwhile, Casey Abrams now has a new lease on AI life. On the advice of producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, he decides to trim his beard. Though, really, Rodney kind of tells Casey to lose the beard altogether, but instead the Idol hopeful just gets it trimmed. Anyway, when he sings Elton’s “Your Song” on stage and his “new look” is revealed, it doesn’t really seem like he had much taken off in the end (other than maybe getting a haircut).

THE UH-OH

Look, maybe if David Cook, Kris Allen and Lee DeWyze hadn’t won Idol over the past three seasons, respectively, we’d have more tolerance at this point for a happy-go-lucky dude with a bright smile, a guitar pick in his teeth and a dream. Alas, Paul McDonald has yet to do anything remotely interesting in this competition to stand out from the rest of the herd—well, besides wear that white suit embroidered with red flowers twice now. And that whisper thing he does at the end of “Rocket Man” is just irritating.

That brings us to Stefano Langone, who seems to be a permanent resident in the Bottom Three. No need to be alarmed, though—you can rest assured he’ll wind up there again, since his performance of “Tiny Dancer” is absolute dullsville.

THOUGHTS ON THE NIGHT: Two people definitely deserve to go home this week after these lackluster turns from the group. (And, by the way, it feels like there have been 11 contestants for ages now.) Our money is on this evening being the last stand for Stefano and Thia.