For once, we get an Idol episode devoted almost solely to the singing and the girls - for the most part - fail to take advantage. Although there were some solid performances, there was nothing that gave goosebumps or was fodder for chit-chat around the water cooler. Maybe the boys will provide more interesting performances tomorrow night. Until then...

So when will the judges get the memo to stop hating on the contestants? Not that their dislike is entirely misplaced, but for a show as popular as American Idol is, it’s bad form to keep telling the audience week after week that the contestants aren’t doing good enough. Eventually the audience realizes you’re right and finds something else to watch.

We’re back at it this week, weeding out the weak and vetting the contestants to the world of pop music. A medical issue (a complication with Crystal Bowersox's diabetes, according to the blogosphere) has forced Idol producers to flip flop the guys and gals so we kick off the second week of the semifinals with the dudes.

From the outset, it appears that "makeovers" were the name of the game between episodes. Michael Lynche got in touch with his soul. Todrick vowed not to go all space age with his song arrangements. Even Ellen got in on the fun.

With the bulk of this year's expectations sitting squarely on the shoulders of the Top 12 women (who are rumored to be harboring a winner), the guys can relax and enjoy the best seats in the house right? Looks like that's the plan for most of the men who almost seem resigned to seeing a woman take the crown this year. Shame. Shame. Shame.

I get it. There are 12 girls. Six will go home in the blink of an eye. Better to be safe than sorry, right? So pull out a trusty ballad, dust it off and sing it. Stay in the game long enough to get to the final 12 and cross your fingers that someone notices. Or, get to the top 10 and go on tour. Make a little money, enjoy a bit of notoriety.

Two years ago, horrified by the results of Bee Gees night, I came up with a list of theme night suggestions for American Idol. Someone must have been paying attention because we've since seen both Neil Diamond night and back-to-back Beatles nights. Thanks for reading, Idol, but don't stop there.

I was on the fence over whether or not to blog about American Idol again this season. Believe it or not, it's a fair amount of work to tackle on Tuesday and Wednesday nights week after week. I didn't know if I had it in me (especially with the final season of Lost airing on Tuesday nights as well). Then I got a call from Tina Lushington.