PUBLIC MARKS from vacelts with tags entertainment & "Reality TV"

Already on a ratings high during the writers strike with its schedule of reality TV programs, Fox spared no expense to promote itself during the Super Bowl.

Going into the first half of the American Idol season finale, I thought the finale was going to be like comparing apples and oranges. Songstress Jordin Sparks has the vocals while beatboxing Blake Lewis has won the crowd over with performances. However, Jordin, as Simon Cowell put it, wiped the floor with Blake with the final song and, unless the voters are deaf, dumb and blind, sealed her victory.

Simon Cowell was visibly disappointed when results of the semifinals were announced on American Idol Wednesday. Melinda Doolittle, the most consistent and versatile contestant this season, has been sent home.

The competition remains close as the Top 3 head into the final weeks of American Idol. Although all three put in outstanding performances Tuesday night, I think Melinda Doolittle edged out her fellow contenders slightly with her versatility and consistency. Down to just three finalists, American Idol altered the format of Tuesday’s competition slightly. Each competitor sang three songs this week — a song selected for them by one of the judges, a song picked by the producers and finally, a song of their choice. This variation offered an interesting twist to Week 11.

On Wednesday American Idol say goodbye to two of the male contenders. Phil Stacy and Chris Richardson performed their final encore as American Idol contestants.

Tonight’s theme is Bon Jovi songs and Jon Bon Jovi is on hand to mentor the contestants. One of my favorite genres, tonight’s American Idol really seemed to cause difficulty for some of the contestants. Where is former contestant and rocker Gina Glocksen when you need her? Unfortunately, her only appearance was in the studio audience.

What can I say about Jordan's performance Tuesday night, but wow! She really did bring down the house with her rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone." And at the end of Wednesday's "Idol Gives Back" two-hour special all six contestants are safe.

Following up country night, tonight’s American Idol’s result show was full of surprises. Not only did Fergie joined Martina McBride as guest performers for the hour-long show, but Blake Lewis, LaKisha Jones and Sanjaya Malakar showed up in the bottom three. But the best surprise of all was that Sanjaya’s run on American Idol is finally over. Now let the real competition begin.

Tonight, I will remember Phil Stacy’s name. It’s country night on American Idol and Stacey has found his niche. His rendition of “Where the Blacktop Ends” finally showcased his vocal talent and his performance skills. Not only was Stacey entertaining, but he really looked like he was truly enjoying himself. Apparently, country music is Stacy’s genre.

Instead of creating a singing sensation, American Idol voters have created an arrogant brat in Sanjaya Malakar.