Was it really just two short weeks ago that I predicted Cool, Texas' (c'mon, can that really be a place?) Casey James would absolutely, positively be going home? Back then I said James appeared to be pulling a Castro by trying to get booted off the show after seemingly burning out on the attention and weekly grind.
But he hung in there and made it to the top three, which looks like the end of the line for good ol' boy CJ. Our "Idol" experts thinks so and I have to agree. Conspiracy theories aside, the past few months have felt like a runaway train to Bowersox/DeWyze Junction — with shades of last year’s inevitable Allen/Lambert showdown — and James' lackluster performances on Tuesday (May 18) night appeared to seal his fate.
I mean "OK, It's Alright With Me"? Really? Really? I'm a professional music writer and I've never even heard of this song and making an obscure, and frankly, boring, tune by Eric Hutchinson your choice to wow America into putting you in the final is like getting shelled for eight runs in the first inning of the final World Series game and still thinking you have a chance at MVP. Ain't gonna happen, bro.
After finally getting back into the "W" column last week with my Michael Lynche pick, I'm feeling bullish on this one. So nice work, Casey. With that face and that voice, I'm sure you're gonna do just fine — maybe even better than if you'd actually won.
This is it, ladies and gentlemen. Only one more chance to make the right call. Here's where we stand at this point.
Gil Kaufman: 10-of-18
Jim Cantiello: 8-of-18
MJ Santilli: 7-of-18
Who do you think will be the next "American Idol" contestant to be eliminated? Which "Idol" expert do you think will come out on top? Let us know in the comments!