AI5 Top 12

All right, I admit it. I watch American Idol. I will even admit that I generally agree with Simon Cowell. You've got me.

Now that it's all out in the open, here's my opinion--unsolicited, as usual--about last night.

As we have reached the top 12, thankfully without retaining anyone quite as frightening as Scott Savol, I have come to the conclusion that Katharine McPhee and Chris Daughtry are by far my favorites. They are, as Simon might say, superb.

That said, I have to add this: "Yeah, Taylor!"

Also very good: Paris Bennett.

Judges' bad call of the night: Kellie Pickler. C'mon, guys, she pulled off a sweet and likeable performance. Not great, but not horrible.

Notice to all American Idol affiliates: Will everybody please stop likening people to Clay Aiken? There's only one of him, and nobody else compares.

Jon Hagedorn, I miss debating every Wednesday at work about which singers ought to stay and go. Nobody does that with me here.

I also miss Anthony Fedorov.

Keep singing, everyone.