Huh? Gina Glocksen?

Somebody do a recount, because this week's vote was seriously NOT what I expected!

What made this week on American Idol interesting was the fact that for the first time in the competition, I felt like they were all actually trying... and for the most part, succeeding! Oddly, my favorite was Chris Richardson, who up to this point has mildly annoyed me. But something about that country twang behind "Don't get around much any more" just worked for me - He may be a Timberlake-alike but for once I felt like I was seeing originality. Award to him for most improved. I bet when this is all over we find him in Branson packing them in.

The award for "He/She's still HERE?" goes to a surprise entry this week - Haley Scarnato. I really thought (hoped?) after Tuesday's performance that she'd finally fudged it up enough to override the "perky factor". Unfortunately I was wrong - this week. But being in the bottom three, there's still hope.

Which brings me to Gina Glocksen. Gina, I really LIKED you! I'm surprised you didn't make it, but I can only speculate that your beautiful, understated performance was just way to subtle for the tween crowd (which is becoming more and more of a staple viewing segment now that the Sanjaya Effect is in full swing.) I truly believe you will have a successful career - just keep your wits about you and I'll be in line to buy your first album, kid :)

As for Sanjaya - I think the judges finally got it. He's no singer, he's an entertainer - and a darn entertaining one. Who needs to sing when you've got that much charisma? Ride the wave, Sanjaya, and enjoy it. I think you'll be with us for weeks to come.