To ensure that I write some sort of American Idol recap this week, I'm writing this semi-live, almost as it's going on. The credits just ran and Ryan is introducing himself and the three judges. Everybody is showing Paula lots of extra love. It makes me feel all warm and nauseated inside. Corey who?

In the red room, Ryan, wearing his albino suit, reveals the themes: "Songs of Philadelphia" (a.k.a. "Songs by Gamble & Huff") and "Songs of Nashville". A country theme? I can't imagine who (coughCarriecough) that would be geared for.

She is up first and singing the Dixie Chick's "Sin Wagon". She certainly seems in her element, much more so than last week. Like Randy, I can hear this song on her future country album, but it wouldn't be enough to make me buy it. This was her genre, her strength, and she didn't miss.

Bo is taking on some Travis Tritt. Some very slow, very mellow Tritt. If someone could break Bo's habit of lugging around microphone stands, I'd be happier. The rest of him can stay the same, just lose the stand. Simon calls it a boring performance. I agree, but it's my kind of boring. The original version of "It's a Great Day to be Alive" is slightly more interesting.

Now we have Vonzell doing a Trisha Yearwood tune. I'm worried about this performance. She seems shaky and nervous and her pitch seems off, but her dress is rather nice. Great, I'm sounding like Paula. She's singing "How Do I Live", a song that both Trisha and LeAnn Rimes tackled. This wasn't very good at all. She needs a strong second song to stay in the competition.

Paula coaxes tears from Vonzell. I don't know the reason why, but she says she's been having a tough day. Instead of her usual giggles, she is crying. I wonder what happened. Oh, look, I have a whole commercial break to ponder.

We're back with Anthony. He's about to take on Lonestar's "I'm Already There". Harry Potter is wearing a denim jacket this week. He somehow pulls off a decent performance. I think it's because I've come to expect cheesy from him. Simon calls the song gooey and syrupy. It's actually one of my favorite syrup songs.

We're leaving Nashville and heading to Philadelphia for some tunes by Gamble and Huff, who just happen to be in the audience. Carrie will be singing "If You Don't Know Me By Now". She seems extremely uncomfortable and that makes me uncomfortable. Can it end already? This wasn't the right song for her at all. It's a mix of boring, wrong notes and more boring. Instead of blaming the performer, Simon blames the band. It wasn't the band.

Bo is singing "For the Love of Money", the theme from The Apprentice. He is now the one in his element. His second song is stronger and more memorable. The crowd goes wild. I think he made The Donald proud.

Vonzell is singing "Don't Leave Me This Way". She has regained her composure and looks at ease with this musical style. It was a great way to close her night. She rocked it. Okay, back in three and a half, semi-live.

Anthony is being a copycat and singing the same song as Carrie. What will that sound like? Will it be just as boring? Can Fedorov survive another insipid performance? He's singing. Okay, wow, from the first note, his rendition is ten times better. He's putting so much heart and personality into it. It's a completely different song. I don't want to say it, but I'm proud of him. He had two decent performances tonight.

I'm torn. By default, Bo and Vonzell are in my top two. I was all set to say so long to Anthony, but after tonight, I'm not opposed to seeing Carrie leave tomorrow. Ryan is signing off and so am I. That was my semi-live recap of Al. Now it's time to watch the season finale of Scrubs.